Conclusions after Players Championship 24: As Jim Williams sorry run continues, is his Tour Card at risk?

The 24th Players Championship of the year, held yesterday in Milton Keynes, produced contrasting fortunes on the circuit — with Jeffrey de Graaf lifting his first PDC ranking title while Jim Williams’ struggles deepened.

Williams, nicknamed “The Quiff”, suffered his eighth consecutive first-round exit at Players Championship level, narrowly losing 6–5 to Brendan Dolan. Once regarded as a consistent threat in the mid-table rankings, the Welshman is enduring a barren spell that has left him searching for answers. His ongoing slump leaves him second only to Germany’s Kai Gotthardt in unwanted streaks: Gotthardt has now lost in the first round at 14 consecutive Players Championships, his latest defeat coming 6–2 at the hands of Rob Cross.

At the other end of the spectrum, it was a day to remember for De Graaf. The Dutch-born Swede edged out Stephen Bunting 8–7 in a thrilling final to secure the first PDC ranking title of his career — a breakthrough moment that could reinvigorate his campaign.

Elsewhere, Jermaine Wattimena once again displayed his trademark consistency. “The Machine Gun” has now progressed beyond the opening round at 16 successive Players Championships, reaching the last 32 yesterday before losing 6–1 to Steve Lennon. Ross Smith is not far behind on 14 consecutive first-round victories, with “Smudger” going all the way to the semi-finals this time before bowing out 7–2 to Bunting.

There was also another encouraging display from Jamai van den Herik. Despite not holding a PDC Tour Card, the 22-year-old Dutchman continues to make the most of his Challenge Tour call-ups, clearing the first round at five straight events. He reached the last 16 yesterday, losing 6–4 to Smith.

For Williams, though, the picture is far less positive. A player with proven pedigree on the floor and stage, he now finds himself mired in a run that is testing both form and confidence — a stark reminder of how unforgiving the Players Championship circuit can be.