PDC announces dates of Riley's Qualifying Tournaments for UK Open

From March 1 to 3, the UK Open is on the program. This major is traditionally played at Butlin's Minehead Resort.

Andrew Gilding starts the tournament as defending champion after winning 11-10 against Michael van Gerwen in last year's final. The UK Open allows a number of amateur players to compete in addition to Tour Card holders each time.

These "Riley's Qualifying Tournaments" are held in pubs across England in January and February to produce 16 players who will compete in the UK Open in March.

Luke Littler, recently a losing finalist at the World Darts Championship, was among the players who qualified for the UK Open last year.

Entries for such a qualifying tournament cost 10 pounds and only players over 16 can participate.