"Was a bit lucky against Jimmy van Schie" - 18-year-old German prodigy Yorick Hofkens seals PDC Tour Card at Q-School

German top talent Yorick Hofkens crowned himself a PDC Tour Card holder on Saturday evening. The 18-year-old claimed the day win on the third Final Stage day of European Q-School, earning the right to compete on the PDC Pro Tour over the next two years. Alongside Arno Merk and Matthias Ehlers, Hofkens is already the third German player to succeed at Q-School this week and secure a Pro Tour card.

In the deciding match, Hofkens edged out Dutchman Jimmy van Schie 6-5 in a nerve-racking contest to win his first-ever PDC Tour Card. “So yeah, it went pretty well. Was just a bit lucky against Jimmy van Schie, but I’m happy,” Hofkens said in conversation with the PDC, immediately after his success. “That was very good.”

Hofkens had prepared intensively and with a clear plan for Q-School. “I went through the Next Gen series, and that went pretty well. It was very good training,” he stressed. The experience he gained paid off on his way to Saturday’s win.

At just 18 years old, Hofkens can now compete against the best darts players in the world. “I have the Tour Card and I’m very happy,” he said. “I will give my best, and maybe it will be good.” His clear focus is on gaining experience and developing step by step.

The Final Stage of European Q-School continues this afternoon with its final day. A PDC Tour Card is on offer for each of the two finalists of the day. In addition, the top eight players in the Q-School Order of Merit will be decided. They too, will secure a PDC Tour Card for the next two years.