Kim Huybrechts, Joe Cullen, Cristo Reyes and Sebastian Bialecki battle for the final World Grand Prix spots: “It’s going to be a very interesting weekend.”
PDC
The battle for the final World Grand Prix berths is reaching its climax. With one European Tour event to go, several players are bunched tightly on the ProTour Order of Merit.
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For Kim Huybrechts in particular, it promises to be a nerve-racking weekend. The Belgian has been handed an unexpected shot at the Flanders Darts Trophy after Luke Littler’s withdrawal, and can therefore still qualify for the World Grand Prix.
In the podcast Darts Draait Door, Damian Vlottes and Vincent van der Voort dissected the situation. According to Van der Voort, the opening phase of the upcoming European Tour event in Belgium will be especially compelling. Every win could have major consequences for the final tickets.
“It’s certainly tight. But that’s what makes it great,” said Van der Voort. “So much comes into play this weekend. That makes those first couple of rounds really exciting.”
Tiny margins in the Grand Prix race
Based on the figures discussed on the podcast, the fight centres on Joe Cullen and Cristo Reyes. Cullen sits on £82,750, with Reyes on £82,000. Sebastian Bialecki follows on £80,500. Huybrechts is right behind on £79,500.
For Bialecki the equation is clear. One win would be a big leap. “If he wins a match, he banks £3,500. That takes him straight past Reyes,” Van der Voort explained. “It’s going to be a very interesting weekend.”
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The draw could therefore prove decisive. Normally, players hope to meet a relatively unknown Host Nation Qualifier in round one of a European Tour event, but in Belgium that may not be a straightforward task, Van der Voort warned.
“It’s not a given you’ll face someone you expect to beat easily. So the draw will be fascinating too.” Direct rivals could also collide early. “Cullen and Bialecki could even draw Reyes in the first round. That would be brilliant.”
Kim Huybrechts gets one last chance on home soil to grab a World Grand Prix ticket.
Beyond Cullen, Reyes, Bialecki, and Huybrechts, a few others retain a mathematical chance. According to the podcast’s projections, Karel Sedlacek must at least reach the quarter-finals, while Martin Schindler needs the semi-finals. For Beau Greaves, Jeffrey de Graaf, and Mickey Mansell, only the title would suffice.
Van der Voort therefore sees Huybrechts and Bialecki as the main threats to those currently in qualifying spots. Sedlacek is not written off either, though the former UK Open finalist feels the Czech looks less dangerous than before.
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“I don’t think Sedlacek has the form he had last year. Back then he often averaged a ton and looked very dangerous. He doesn’t really have that right now.”
From Tour Card worries to a World Grand Prix push
Van der Voort especially appreciates Huybrechts’ story. The Belgian started the season with different priorities and seemed focused on securing his future on the PDC circuit. A few months on, he is suddenly in the mix for a TV event.
“It’s impressive that Huybrechts is this close,” said Van der Voort. “He went into the year aiming to make the Worlds, keep his Tour Card, and qualify for the Players Championship Finals. Now he’s fighting for a Grand Prix spot. That’s quite something.”
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According to Van der Voort, Huybrechts has recovered admirably. “He’s battled his way back well. We all kind of thought: he could well drop off.”
Van der Voort will not predict who claims the final two World Grand Prix tickets. The margins are too fine and the draw too influential.
Cullen, thanks to his current position, holds the best hand. One win may already set a daunting target for the chasing pack. His form, however, gives the pursuers hope.
“Cullen has the best cards. But he’s not exactly flying,” Van der Voort noted. “If he wins one round, it becomes very tough. Then the others really need to win two or three rounds.”
In the end, Białecki also earns Van der Voort’s trust. The Pole is outside the cut, but with his participation he largely controls his own fate. “I still think Bialecki has a good chance. He’s also a lad who doesn’t look at rankings much. He’s not too bothered by that.”
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Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
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