Matthew Dennant lands European Tour bow
Bloxwich's Matthew Dennant will take part in his first PDC European Tour event after coming through a qualifier.
The 24-year-old thrower is heading to Germany in September to take his place at the European Trophy,
Dennant has been on the Pro Tour since January, having won a position through Qualifying School, and is slowly climbing the rankings.
He first toed the oche at the Barnsley Metrodome trying to land a spot at the International Open, also to be held in Germany. He lost 6-5 to Mick McGowan in the preliminary round of the qualifier.
Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones and Rugeley's Mark Hylton both went out in the first round. Jones was beaten 6-2 by Steve West, while Hylton was defeated 6-4 by Brendan Dolan.
There was to be no stopping Dennant in the second qualifier of the day, though, as he reached and prevailed from an all-important second round tie.
Another last leg battle, this time going his way 6-5 against James Hubbard, got him through the first round. He booked his trip with another 6-5 win over John Henderson.
Jones and Hylton again were eliminated in the first round, both by 6-1 scorelines, against Keegan Brown and Arron Monk respectively.
Dennant and Jones stayed on for two Players Championship events, by virtue of their Pro Tour cards. Hylton is an associate PDPA member.
Dennant didn't make the money stages, with first round exits on both Saturday and Sunday. He first lost 6-4 to John Michael, then 6-2 to West.
Jones opened with a 6-3 victory over Mark Webster, before John Michael claimed his scalp as well through another 6-4 verdict. He lost 6-5 to Stephen Bunting in the first round on Sunday.
