“I felt speechless” said Daryll Pilgrim when talking about the emotions he had after securing his first ever PDC Tour Card at this years Q-School.
Pilgrim, 37, who first kicked off his darts career playing in his local pub leagues in South Croydon, found his passion at the age of eight.
He said: ‘It was all because my dad was playing.”
As Pilgrim progressed through the ranks, he played in the ADC, before being invited to the start of the MODUS Super Series in Portsmouth.
Whilst playing on the circuit Pilgrim was able to showcase his abilities, breaking the scoring record, averaging a ridiculous 122.69 in a four-nil win over Dennie Olde Kalter.
Modus Super Series has showcased many darting talents over the years, such as Luke Littler, Cameron Crabtree and Fallon Sherrock.
For Pilgrim, the circuit was vital to his progression, he said: “It improved my game so much, it made me a better player.”
Stepping up from the MODUS Super Series, players often go on to compete on the pro tour.
Pilgrim was able to do this a few times throughout the year, even without his Tour Card, showing he can compete at that level and leaving him hopeful heading into Q-School last weekend.
Q-School, a tournament consisting of 250-300 players every year, allows aspiring pros and amateurs to compete for a chance to win a Tour Card.
Looking at Pilgrim’s experiences and preparations for Q-School, he felt as though he had played better leading up to the event in previous years, but found his groove at the perfect time.
He said: “I managed to hit form just as it came to Q-School.”
Pilgrim went straight into stage two of Q-School, with his Challenge Tour merit making him exempt from stage one.
In stage 2, Pilgrim averaged 91.12 over the four days with a leg difference of 39, meaning he won his tour card through the Order of Merit, finishing second in the table.
When speaking on the emotions felt after winning a Tour Card, Darryl said: “I didn’t know how to feel, I felt numb, I couldn’t believe it.”
Pilgrim thanked his team on social media and was grateful for his wife showing 100% support, he said: “She sacrificed a lot but always knew I had the talent to do it.”
Players often have friends throughout the darts circuit and Pilgrim managed to share the moment with fellow South Londoner Cam “Shazam” Crabtree.
With the pair both securing their Tour Cards last weekend Pilgrim said: “It was mad, we hugged each other at the end and spoke about how all the practice together paid off.”
Looking to the future, Pilgrim set his sights on getting back on the Euro Tour and qualifying for some of the big TV events which he has previously played in, such as the UK Open.
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