Former World Championship finalist Painter announces retirement after Q-School disappointment

Kevin Painter has ended his professional career with immediate effect, he has revealed.

The Artist announced his retirement on Wednesday after failing to claim a Tour Card at Q-School. On the closing day of UK Q-School, Painter lost 6-5 to David Ladley in the second round, after missing seven match darts.

“Well, I think my last game today is a message from the lord above, could not lose that if i tried another 100 times. He’s saying Kev, time to retire now pal, you have had a great career, just go enjoy the money you’ve earned as a pro, last 25 years and relax. I have to agree, I’ll do exhibitions and chill,” said Painter on Twitter.

Painter then rejected the suggestion that it was a hasty decision after a disappointing Q-School.

“It’s nothing to do with rushing into a decision just because Q-School ends, people around me know I’ve been talking about it for a while now, I’m not unhappy, in fact the opposite, I feel a weight of expectation lifted, I will enjoy the fruits of what my ability has given me.”

In 2004 he lost 7-6 to Phil Taylor in the World Championship final, while Painter won a major title in 2011 with his victory at the Players Championship Finals. He also won five PDC ranking tournaments.