Steve Beaton crowns his surprising comeback by reaching the final round of Q-School. Other familiar faces also impress alongside him.
On day two of the UK Q-School 2026, several former well-known names from the PDC Tour confidently advanced to the Final Stage.
Veteran Steve Beaton was particularly impressive. After the 61-year-old narrowly missed qualification on day one, but still won three matches, he advanced directly to the final round on day two.
Steve Beaton is in the next round of Q-School
The 1996 BDO World Champion gave up only seven legs in five matches during his comeback on day two, advancing to the next round after victories against Kyle Manton (5:1), Declan Corcoran (5:1), John Brown (5:2), Keelan Kay (5:2), and Darren Armstrong (5:1).
In the Final Stage, the darts legend could then reclaim his Tour Card. Beaton has been active on the oches of this world since 1990. He celebrated his greatest success in 1996 with the World Championship title in the BDO. He also holds the record for the most World Championship appearances ever.
PDC: De Zwaan and Reyes also advance
Besides Beaton, two very well-known names, Jeffrey De Zwaan and Cristo Reyes, also made it through the European Q-School.
The Zwaan was particularly impressive. In the two decisive matches, “The Black Cobra’s” game strongly recalls its best days. In the Top 64, he played a 96.39 average in his 5:1 victory against Belgian Brian Raman.
In the Top 32, he even improved further and crushed Mylo Michiels 5:0. Against the Belgian, De Zwaan played a 101.55 average.
Jeffrey De Zwaan played strongly in Q-School
Cristo Reyes couldn’t quite shine as much. Nevertheless, after five victories following challenging years, the Spaniard is in the final round and can hope for a Tour Card.
Four Germans fail in the last match
In contrast, the second day of Q-School was bitter for the many German participants. After six players had qualified for the final round on day one, only one more player joined them.
Jason Riedtke prevailed in his decisive match with a 5:2 victory against Norwegian Jonny Pedersen.
Four players failed in their decisive matches just before the final round: Yorick Hofkens (1:5 against Pal Szekely), Robin Pietsch (0:5 against Davy Proosten), Marc Spalt (2:5 against Cristo Reyes), and Liam Maendl-Lawrance (1:5 against David Cameron).
The third day is scheduled for Wednesday. All German participants will then have another chance to qualify directly for the final round.