"Even though I'm shedding a few tears, I'm one of the happiest guys you'll see": Emotional Mervyn King seals PDC ProTour return at Q-School

Mervyn King admitted the achievement “means the world” after securing a return to the PDC Tour at 2026 Q-School, describing the gruelling qualifying process as a true last-chance moment in his long and distinguished career.

The former major finalist, competing in the vast Milton Keynes venue against a field packed with aspiring professionals, held his nerve when it mattered most to reclaim a Tour Card and extend his time at the sport’s top level.

Asked how it felt to once again be a PDC Tour Card holder, King summed up the emotion of the moment succinctly. “If you don’t know now, you never will,” he said. “It means the world to me. It’s a hard process, isn’t it? I thought hard every day, and things didn’t go my way.”

After a difficult few days at Q-School, King knew there was no margin for error heading into the final stages. “Today was the last chance saloon, and everything had to go today,” he explained. “I wouldn’t say everything went my way, but it was slightly easier. Some shots went my way when I really needed them.”

The significance of the moment was clear as King reflected on the emotional toll of the challenge. “So even though I’m shedding a few tears, I’m one of the happiest guys you’ll ever see at the moment,” he said.

Despite decades competing at the highest level of the game, King emphasised that earning his place back on tour was no less demanding than ever.

“It’s hard work regardless,” he said. “To actually make that step and to get back on tour is something really serious for me. It’s fantastic.”

Crucially, King believes he still has plenty left to give on the big stage, which is what continues to drive him forward.

“I still think I’ve got something to offer the game, so that’s why I’m here and that’s why I’ve been trying, because I don’t think I’m finished yet,” he said. “I think I’ve got some great games to offer on TV and stuff, so that’s why I keep going, because I don’t think I’m done yet.”