Gates after securing debut at US Darts Masters: 'Thursday is going to be a whole new adventure for me'
PDC
Leonard Gates claimed victory in the second qualifier of the day on Tuesday in Las Vegas to secure qualification for the US Darts Masters and North American Championship.
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Gates is well-known to those who follow the American darts scene and Soft-Tip darts with the player known as 'Soldier' being one of the leading lights but up to now he has not secured a World Series debut.
The Houston ace spoke after securing qualification and admitted it is going to be a new adventure for him but that he is going to keep himself calm and not get too carried away.
He has also not set any goals and wants to see what happens during his two appearances on stage at the Mandalay Bay.
"Thursday is going to be a whole new adventure for me," said Gates.
"I might not show it on the outside but the inside is full of joy - but I also know that there's more to come and I have to keep myself calm.
"It's another opportunity for me. I want to be prepared and I'll be practising hard on Wednesday to get ready.
"It's going to be exciting - I have to what I do on the board. This is the first time I've made it through so we're going to see what happens after this."
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https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1146253815840030720

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- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026




