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With the first PDC major title only weeks away, we look at some of the new faces who could make a big impact in their first big television tournament of the year. The UK Open includes all 128 professional tour card holders, meaning we will pick five to look out for from all the tour card winners at 2020 Q School, as well as the confirmed amateur qualifiers.
Some honourable mentions go to Croatia's soft-tip champion Boris Krčmar, Wales's Nick Kenny, who is fast becoming a challenger for the title of best 180 hitter in the world, Scott Waites, who is a former two time BDO World Champion, super-talented thrower Callan Rydz and Challenge Tour qualifiers Cameron Menzies and Kyle McKinstry.
This year there are two ladies in the competition, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock. Ashton qualifies as a tour card holder, the first female player ever to accomplish this, and Sherrock won the first Wolverhampton amateur qualifier. We have not chosen either of these two as it is well publicised that they will both be in action and many are eagerly awaited their appearances.
#5 Jason Lowe
If you are only a casual viewer of darts and this name rings a bell, you're thinking of John Lowe. Jason isn't quite at that level yet, but he's making a very good name for himself in the floor tournaments after a superb Q-School.
Having made appearances in European Tour events in the past, Lowe is one of the most experienced new players and never seems to be fazed by his opponent, having already twice claimed the scalps of players such as James Wade, Dave Chisnall and Adrian Lewis.
#4 Adam Smith-Neale
Adam Smith-Neale is famous for two things. He made his name at the 2018 BDO World Masters where he blitzed the field, including Glen Durrant in the final, to prove he is a world class throw on his day. That tournament earned him qualification to Lakeside the year after, where he played with crutches, determined to make an appearance at the iconic venue.
An unusual start to say the least. But where next for 'Big Dog'? The 2020 UK Open beckons, where he has qualified through the Coventry amateur qualifier; and Smith-Neale could prove far too hot to handle for most of the field if he has a good week or so.
#3 Martijn Kleermaker
One of the BDO stars to make the switch, Martijn Kleermaker is one of the most talented players to come through Q-School this year. 'The Dutch Giant' is very capable of quick power-scoring and his combination finishing can be fatal for an opponent when he is on form.
Having already made a very accomplished start in floor tournaments, beating Jose de Sousa and John Henderson among others, he could be extremely dangerous for any player in the early rounds. He's also very fond of a big bullseye checkout.
#2 Damon Heta
Having already claimed a PDC title without being a tour card holder at the Brisbane Darts Masters, Damon Heta will be looking to make a huge impact in his maiden year at the PDC. A week after defeated Jim Williams and Scott Mitchell in the BDO Australian Open final, Heta beat James Wade, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock and Rob Cross to win the tournament, having reached the competition as a national qualifier.
Heta has been unlucky so far in the floor tournaments, but having already been successful on the big stage, it would be the perfect time for 'The Heat' to rise to the occasion and cause further damage. The UK Open is a completely random drawn tournament, so Heta may be able to play himself into top form when he doesn't get a top player straight away.
#1 Wesley Harms
Wesley Harms was one of the more high profile qualifiers through Q-School, having been the BDO number one when he switched. He has so far shown signs of that form in the PDC floor tournaments, getting at least one win every day and taking out names like Gary Anderson and recording a highest average of 105.
'Sparky' has only had four floor events to gain prize money on the order of merit, as with all new tour card holders, so will start in the earlier rounds of the competition, where he will be one of the biggest names. If he brings his best form, he could make the latter stages of the event, so we might well see the Dutchman make a huge impact at the start of his PDC journey.
