Race for the Matchplay

A huge few weeks lie ahead for a host of players on the cusp of making the World Matchplay, with just four chances of qualifying through the Pro Tour left for the chasing pack.

As ever it is the world’s top 16 along with the top 16 in the Pro Tour Order of Merit not already qualified who make it to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, and as ever, competition for these prestigious 32 slots is fierce.

There are just four Pro Tour events left now before things kick-off on the West Coast, two in Crawley in two weeks’ time, and more pressingly, two in Birmingham this weekend and the scramble for prize money will be furious and increasingly desperate for some.

The man in possession of the much sought after 32^nd slot is Scotland’s Peter Wright who has picked up £5,000 so far this year, but with the possibility of winning £24,000 over the next four events, any number of players can still make it.

Stand out players that are set to miss out as things stand are Mervyn King, Colin Osbourne, John Part and Dennis Ovens, but that is to name just four as there are a host of top players who will also not be beside the seaside come July unless they can step up their game in Birmingham or Crawley.

The pressure will be on this chasing pack, but also on those who are holding onto their place in the 32 by their fingertips, and along with Wright, the experienced quartet of Rob Thornton, Steve Beaton, Ronnie Baxter and Colin Lloyd will be well aware that they need to pick up some cash to guarantee their places in Blackpool.

What could throw all this into a bit of confusion is the presence of the two European Tour events before the players can even consider the Matchplay. With £15,000 for the winner at each of these events, the rankings could be considerably altered by the events in Berlin and Dusseldorf.  The likes of Dave Chisnall will have his sights set on success on the continent and a move into the top 16 in the world himself.  This would mean curtains for current number 16 Wayne Jones who is way down in 67^th in the Pro Tour rankings.

The possibilities to make it or miss out are almost endless right now, but what is for sure is that the pressure is mounting, and the picture of Matchplay qualification will be much clearer following this weekend’s hugely important tournaments in Birmingham.