All eyes are on the World Grand Prix in October now that the dust has settled on the World Matchplay.
It is the next big major that boasts a top prize of £120k, with £7.5k guaranteed just for qualifying.
The unique tournament is the only event on the calendar where a player must hit a double to start a leg, as well as finishing.
The world’s top 16 will book their spot in Leicester – though only eight are seeded – and will be joined by the top 16 from the Pro Tour order of merit.
After the three recent Players Championship events, some big names are struggling to secure qualification.
Wade in danger as Cullen gets reprieve
James Wade faced an uphill battle to avoid missing the World Matchplay for the first time since 2005.
He secured qualification on the final day and faces a similar task in the coming months.
Wade occupies the final spot on the Pro Tour order of merit with two months to go before the cut-off and will hope to avoid the need for similar heroics as the deadline looms.
Joe Cullen’s run to the final today provided a much needed reprieve for the ‘Rockstar’.
The 35-year-old admitted on X that his results on the floor have not been good enough in 2024, and he dropped out of the qualification spots yesterday.
His efforts today, however, propelled him up to 13th on the Pro Tour order of merit which will relieve the pressure heading into the next few months.
Legend Raymond van Barneveld is almost certain to be in Leicester after an impressive year on the floor, as is Mike De Decker.
The Belgian made his debut in the tournament last year and has solidified his spot this year after lifting his first senior career title yesterday.
Potential absentees from World Grand Prix
Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski has competed in the last five Grand Prix’s.
The former quarter-finalist has had a lacklustre season so far and is ten places behind qualification.
‘The Polish Eagle’ must secure titles or at least finals in the next eight weeks if he’s to extend his streak in Leicester.
Former UK Open Champion Andrew Gilding is also in danger of missing out.
Gilding was responsible for two huge shocks last year, dumping out former World Champions Gary Anderson and Rob Cross in the opening two rounds.
Despite an impressive run to the quarter-final of the World Matchplay a few weeks ago, a disappointing season on the floor has put ‘Goldfinger’ in peril.
You can view the full race for the World Grand Prix here.