Dave Chisnall has become the sixth player to qualify for the Champions League of Darts, following the completion of the first round of the World Matchplay.
The world number five defeated Mervyn King 10-7 in his first round game in Blackpool on Sunday night, and he joins reigning champion Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright and Adrian Lewis in qualifying for the BBC-televised event.
Mensur Suljovic and Raymond van Barneveld still occupy the last two qualifying places, and after the early departures of the likes of Michael Smith, James Wade and Jelle Klaasen in Blackpool at the weekend, they are close to securing their Champions League debuts along with Chisnall.
For one of Suljovic or van Barneveld to now miss out, one of Daryl Gurney, Simon Whitlock and Alan Norris will have to go and win the World Matchplay this week to have a chance of moving into the top seven.
Provisional PDC Order of Merit (Phil Taylor + the next top seven qualify) Players in green are still in the World Matchplay (as of 24/07/2017)
| Pos | Player | Prize Money |
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen (Q) | £1,654,250 |
| 2 | Gary Anderson (Q) | £760,000 |
| 3 | Peter Wright (Q) | £671,250 |
| 4 | Adrian Lewis (Q) | £389,000 |
| 5 | Dave Chisnall (Q) | £356,500 |
| 6 | Mensur Suljovic | £339,500 |
| 7 | Raymond van Barneveld | £324,500 |
| 8 | Michael Smith | £312,750 |
| 9 | James Wade | £312,500 |
| 10 | Jelle Klaasen | £312,250 |
| 11 | Phil Taylor (Q) | £305,250 |
| 12 | Kim Huybrechts | £279,250 |
| 13 | Ian White | £272,000 |
| 14 | Benito van de Pas | £265,750 |
| 15 | Daryl Gurney | £260,500 |
| 16 | Robert Thornton | £255,750 |
| 17 | Simon Whitlock | £250,000 |
| 18 | Alan Norris | £244,750 |
lovethedartsmag.com 