"It'd be great to go back a little more prepared" - Jim Long closing in on Ally Pally return through CDC Tour

Jim Long took the title at the tenth tournament of the CDC season over the last weekend. With this win, the Canadian is still very much in the race to qualify for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

The best American darter and best Canadian player on the CDC circuit get to compete in the World Darts Championship this coming December. David Cameron had a comfortable lead over his Canadian compatriots prior to this tournament weekend, but Long has significantly reduced his deficit. With four tournaments remaining, Long is still the second Canadian on the CDC Tour Order of Merit with 79 points. Leading the list is David Cameron, who is on 83 points.

"I didn't feel like I played that good, I just made some clutch shots," Long reflected honestly in his post-match interview following the final. "I felt like I didn't play that well this whole event. It was tough and I used up all my luck I think."

As mentioned, the big reward for Long however, could still be yet to come as he nears a return to the Alexandra Palace and the PDC World Darts Championship. In his one and only previous appearance at the event, Long beat Mickey Mansell in the opening round before narrowly losing out 3-2 to Benito Van de Pas and being sent home in round 2 at the 2019 edition.

"It was really important for me to win this weekend. I gave up my group A spot on the Modus Super Series to be here. I just wanted to stay in the race but I'm chasing three great dart players," Long assesses. "I'm hoping to catch Dave obviously. The first time I went it was such a surprise, I honestly didn't know it was an option until six months before I was there. It'd be great to go back a little more prepared this time."