The Spartan is back: Cristo Reyes makes unexpected darting return and books PDC World Darts Championship spot after six years away

Cristo Reyes will make his big stage darting return next month at the PDC World Darts Championship and also can play Q-School if he chooses after a successful two days at the Mediterranean Qualifier.

Reyes recently teased his darting return hitting nine-dart finishes on videos he put on social media and showing that he very much still had the game. Now he's back at the PDC World Darts Championship after the 38-year-old seemed to curtail his career in 2021 after being a Tour Card holder for six years.

In that time, he reached the Last 16 at four majors. Once at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2015 as well as the World Matchplay in 2017, the UK Open in 2019 and three times at the European Championship in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

Known for his ultra silky smooth throw, he famously faced Michael van Gerwen in his pomp back in 2017 in round two of the PDC World Darts Championship and he averaged 106.07 which was the highest losing average for a mere few days as Raymond van Barneveld then set a new record also against MVG of 109. So while he couldn't have the win, he couldn't have the record either.

He lost his Tour Card back in 2021 but in fact he hadn't featured for five years in any sort of events. He was a player who snubbed playing during Covid which acted as the final nail in the coffin for his top flight darting career. He played Q-School in 2022 but hasn't been since until now.

He defeated Clemente Molina 6-0, Jesus Noguera 6-2, Ruben Cañas 6-2, Michele Turreta 7-2, Martin Marti 7-1 & Ricardo Perez 7-4. He averaged at times over the weekend 102 in his semi-final and 94 in his final win over Ricardo Perez who defeated veteran Carlos Rodriguez to reach that point.

He also played yesterday and was part of a quartet who managed to rubber stamp spots at Q-School with Toni Alcinas who lost in the Quarter-Finals today to Rodriguez managing to win through as well as Reyes, Perez and Jesus Noguera. Reyes stood out early seeing off Jose Justicia in just his second game.

So he not only gets an Ally Pally return but also could yet return to the tour. He was seen crying after he sealed the win and given that his throw still looks as good as ever and he is a former top 30 player, he will be one the big names will look to avoid.

After Adam Gawlas, Tatsunami Mitsuhiko, Boris Krcmar, Andy Baetens and Krzysztof Kciuk all won this weekend, we only have a few spots left until the field is confirmed. The ANZ Premier League winner will qualify, while the five Tour Card Holder Qualifiers will also be set. That takes place in the aftermath of the Players Championship Finals next week.