In a poignant moment at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, one of darts’ most accomplished players saw his professional status take a devastating blow. Jose de Sousa, the Portuguese star who etched his name into darts history by winning the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts, has immediately lost his PDC Tour Card after a first-round defeat at Alexandra Palace.
The 51-year-old, known affectionately as “The Special One” for his flair and precision during his peak years, faced off against Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko in a tense encounter on Tuesday evening. Despite showing flashes of his old brilliance—averaging over 90 and unleashing six maximum 180s—De Sousa ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in sets. The match was a hard-fought battle, with De Sousa pushing his opponent all the way, but it wasn’t enough to secure progression or, crucially, preserve his place among the PDC’s elite tour card holders.
This loss marked the end of a challenging season for De Sousa, who struggled to maintain consistency on the Pro Tour floor events. Finishing a disappointing 98th on the Order of Merit with just £15,000 in prize money earned over the year, he also missed out on qualification for the Players Championship Finals. Currently ranked 73rd in the world, the defeat at the World Championship sealed his fate, as players outside the top 64 at the conclusion of the tournament automatically relinquish their tour cards if they’ve held them for two or more years.
De Sousa appeared visibly distraught as he left the stage, a far cry from the triumphant figure who lifted the Grand Slam trophy five years ago in a stunning run that included victories over some of the sport’s biggest names. That 2020 triumph remains one of the most memorable in recent darts history, showcasing his ability to produce magic under pressure with his smooth throwing action and deadly finishing.
The PDC Tour Card is more than just a ticket to compete—it’s the gateway to the professional circuit, allowing holders to enter Players Championship events, European Tour qualifiers, and major televised tournaments. Losing it means De Sousa will no longer have automatic entry into these high-stakes competitions, forcing him to either reclaim it through the grueling Q-School in January or step back from the full-time Pro Tour.
For a player of De Sousa’s caliber, this development comes as a shock to many in the darts community. His career has been marked by highs that few can match: reaching major finals, consistent deep runs in televised events during his prime, and that unforgettable Grand Slam victory where he defeated the likes of Dave Chisnall, Michael van Gerwen, and James Wade en route to the title. Yet, the brutal nature of professional darts—where form can fluctuate and the two-year rolling Order of Merit demands relentless performance—has caught up with him.
Meanwhile, his conqueror, Ricardo Pietreczko, advances to the next round with renewed confidence. The German, nicknamed “Pikachu” for his energetic celebrations, delivered a composed performance to book a showdown against the winner of the Dave Chisnall and Fallon Sherrock clash. This match was Pietreczko’s first on the World Championship’s main TV stage since a controversial heated exchange with Luke Littler at last month’s Players Championship Finals, adding extra spice to his campaign.
De Sousa’s exit underscores the unforgiving reality of the sport at the highest level. Every year, the World Championship serves as the final reckoning for tour card retention, with players on the bubble knowing that a deep run can secure their future, while an early departure can end it abruptly. For veterans like De Sousa, who have tasted major glory, the fall can be particularly hard.
At 51, questions now swirl about his next steps. Will he head to Q-School to battle hundreds of hopefuls for one of the limited spots back on tour? Or might this prompt a reassessment of his career, perhaps focusing on exhibitions or other opportunities? Whatever path he chooses, De Sousa’s contributions to darts—his entertaining style, sportsmanship, and that iconic Grand Slam run—ensure he’ll be remembered fondly by fans.
As the World Championship continues to captivate audiences with its drama and upsets, stories like this remind us why the event is the pinnacle of the sport: triumph and heartbreak are never far apart on the oche.
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