Stuart White makes the UK Open from Rileys
Former PDC pro Stuart White is back in the organisation's majors after visiting Wolverhampton to nab a spot in March's 'FA Cup of Darts.'
White travelled down from Banbury in Oxfordshire to Rileys Sports Bar on Broad Street and came through a 101-man field on Saturday,
The 29-year-old, who lost his Pro Tour card at the start of last year, saw off Shropshire county player Kevin Harris 5-4 in an exciting final.
They traded three-figure scores at will before White took hold in a deciding leg, landing him a wildcard qualifier pass to the UK Open.
That will take place at the Butlins holiday resort in Minehead from March 6-8 in front of the ITV4 television cameras.
It was a day to remember for the Tottenham fan, who had caught bits of Spurs beating Arsenal 2-1 at home in the North London derby on the big screen at the venue.
The entrants were spread across four boards that produced the semi-finalists, with White needing the full seven legs to defeat youngster of the day Anthony Urmston-Toft before the format was extended.
Wednesfield's Ash Khayat, who played in the 2011 PDC World Youth Championship, stunned two-time BDO semi-finalist Chris Mason 4-3 on another board.
Khayat took on Harris, who whitewashed Josh McCarthy 4-0 in his board final, in the semi-finals while White went up against Michael Smith, who edged Dan Elcock 4-3.
White comfortably vanquished Smith 4-1, but Harris had to fight tooth and nail to see off Khayat, who is back playing darts after a break from the game, 4-3.
Rileys manager and darts co-ordinator Ben Pearce said: "These events are great for people to make their dreams come true.
"Last year we had a lot of the Rileys qualifiers make it through to the money stages when they went to the UK Open finals."
There is a second spot available from Wolverhampton's Rileys for the UK Open a week on Saturday, the only other brace being held from the company's flagship arena at London Victoria.
Those who went to Qualifying School this year to try and earn a Pro Tour card cannot compete. However, PDPA members with Challenge Tour only status are eligible.
Entry is just £5 per event and is open to anyone aged 16 and above, but applications must be made 48 hours in advance.
They can be taken at the venue on the day or, at least, 24 hours before online at www.rileys.co.uk/tournaments. The price includes a free drink.
For more information on the next Wolverhampton event, call 01902 310 521. Reservations can also be made over the telephone.
