Charlie Manby and Raymond Smith seal Grand Slam of Darts debuts as 36 places confirmed

Charlie Manby and Raymond Smith will make their Grand Slam of Darts debuts this month, with 36 players now assured of places in the expanded Wolverhampton tournament.

Manby qualified through his first PDC ranking title at Players Championship 31, while Smith booked his place by winning the ANZ Premier League in Brisbane.

The tournament runs from 14–22 November at WV Active Aldersley, with 48 players competing for a £1 million prize fund.

Charlie Manby earns Grand Slam debut after breakthrough win

Manby beat Maik Kuivenhoven 8–2 in the Players Championship 31 final to claim his maiden ranking title.

The 21-year-old had beaten Beau Greaves 7–5 in the semi-finals, ending her run one match short of the final. His victory over Kuivenhoven then secured both the trophy and a first appearance at the Grand Slam.

It gives Manby another opportunity on the televised stage before the end of the season, having joined the list of Players Championship winners who have earned their way into the field.

Raymond Smith books Wolverhampton and Alexandra Palace appearances

Smith’s ANZ Premier League title brought a double reward: a Grand Slam debut and a return to the World Darts Championship.

The Australian won the Brisbane title on Saturday, having finished runner-up in the competition last year. He will make his fourth appearance at Alexandra Palace and his first since 2023.

Smith previously reached the last 16 of the 2021/22 World Championship. His latest success ensures that Wolverhampton will be followed by another opportunity at the sport’s biggest tournament.

Grand Slam of Darts qualification enters its final week

The PDC qualification update, carried by the Australian Darts Association, confirms Manby and Smith among the 36 players through.

Defending champion Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Beau Greaves are also assured of places.

The remaining field will be settled after this week’s final Players Championship events and the Tour Card Holder Qualifier. Our Grand Slam of Darts qualification guide explains the different routes into the tournament.

Players Championships 33 and 34 take place in Leicester on 4 and 5 November. The separate Grand Slam qualifier follows on Friday 6 November.

Any available places left unfilled through the event-winner routes will increase the number on offer at the qualifier.

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