Simon Stevenson

Simon Stevenson (born 18 February 1972) is an English darts player, who has competed on both the BDO and PDC circuits. In 2014, Stevenson competed at the UK Open, drawing notoriety from pundits and fellow players to make it through to the last 32 of the competition at his first attempt. He became the first player to earn a PDC tour card at Q School 2016, and has flown up the rankings in his first year to a career-high of number 80 in the Order of Merit, as well as ranking 55 in the Pro Tour Order or Merit for 2016. Simon also qualified for the 2017 PDC World Championship at the first time of asking, beating a high-class field in his section of the draw to earn his place at the Alexandra Palace.

Career

On 23 February 2014, Stevenson won through a quality field of over 100 competitors at Riley's Plymouth^[1] to earn his place at the UK Open 2014, during which he first rose to prominence from relatively nowhere, earning plaudits from fellow players and pundits with a run to the Last 32 of the competition. On day one, Stevenson started in the Preliminary Round beating Ian Jones 5-3 and then saw off Jason Lovett by the same scoreline before booking his place in the money stages with a victory over the experienced Scot Mark Barilli, also by 5 legs to 3.^[2] In the evening session, Belgian Rocco Maes awaited but Stevenson swept him aside in cool fashion, prevailing 9-6 to reach the Last 32 of the competition on the Saturday.^[3] This however was one stage too far and despite putting in an impressive display, Stevenson went down 9-5 to Welshman Jamie Lewis.^[4]

In June 2014, Stevenson returned to the BDO circuit and reached the Last 32 of the England Open.^[5]

On 1 March 2015, Stevenson entered the Rileys qualifiers again, competing at the final qualifying event and won through another top class field to book his return to Butlin's Minehead for the 2015 UK Open.^[6] Stevenson was drawn in the Preliminary Round again and faced Durham's Dave Prins but was edged out 5-2.^[7]

2016 was the watershed year for Stevenson as he attended the prestigious PDC Qualifying School in Wigan, with the aim of winning a 2 year Tour Card. Stevenson demolished a quality field including 2006 UK Open Runner Up Barrie Bates, former Scottish International Gary Stone and up and coming darting hot shots Brett Claydon, Ted Evetts and Lee Evans to secure his 2 Year Tour card on Day 1.^[8]

During his first year in the PDC Stevenson made massive strides up the rankings; continually reaching the latter stages of floor tournaments, as well as an appearance in the Last 32 of the PDC Austrian Open stream event, and a TV debut to boot. One Quarter Final and four Last 16 appearances, as well as a number of other prize money placings throughout the Players Championship Pro Tour events allowed Stevenson to easily qualify for the Players Championship Finals in 44th place over the year. Stevenson faced in form world number 10, Jelle Klaasen but after dominating the first six legs, he finally went down 6-4 but showed glimpses of brilliance throughout the game with a very respectable 96 AVG on TV debut.^[9]

In November 2016, Simon also qualified for the 2017 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace at the first time of asking, beating off a high class field of competitors in the qualifiers at Wigan.^[10] He would lose to Austria's Zoran Lerchbacher 2–1 in the preliminary round.

References