STUART Kellett has refused to be downbeat despite missing out on a return to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ranks by the narrowest of margins.

The Northwich thrower was one leg away from securing a tour card for the next two years at the end of four days’ gruelling competition during the annual Qualifying School.

A victory against Kirk Shepherd on Sunday, on an afternoon when the 35-year-old had already won five matches, would have been enough to make the cut from the Order of Merit – a rankings list that awarded points to players according to their daily progress.

However Kellett lost a close encounter in a deciding leg at Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan.

“I didn’t get what I went for,” he said afterwards.

“I missed doubles while losing narrowly each time, and three of the guys that beat me went on to get a card.

“There are plenty of positives to take though, and I have to move forward now – there’s no point dwelling on things.”

He started promisingly on Thursday, registering four wins against Steve Randall (5-0), Jeff Batham (5-1), Paul Rowley (5-2) and Warrick Scheffer (5-3) before bowing out in the last 32 to Steve Hine (4-5).

A failure to score any ranking points in the next two days, when he won only one match, proved costly.

Ryan Harrington (4-5) edged him on Friday, before Scott Taylor (4-5) did the same 24 hours later after he had seen off Tom Lonsdale (5-1) in the first round.

Kellett rallied impressively on the final day, keeping alive his hopes by marching to the last 16.

Victories against Scott Rollings, Mareno Michels, Bradley Williams, Chris Quantock and Mick Todd, all by the same 5-3 score, propelled him up the Order of Merit.

However Shepherd, a world championship runner-up in 2008, ended his dream.

The Cheshire regular still has plenty to play for in 2017, and turns his attention next to the first three preliminaries for this year’s UK Open.

He will be able to enter UK qualifiers for European Tour events, as well as the Professional Darts Players’ Association (PDPA) qualifier for the world championships later this year.

Should he wish, he can request to be on a reserve list for Players’ Championship events to take a place if all 128 PDC tour-card holders do not take part.

An alternative route to a tour card for 2018 could be to join the PDC Challenge Tour, which incorporates 20 events spread over five weekends.

The overall winner, and the runner-up, receives a two-year card as part of their prize.

Kellett added: “I managed to get myself up the table, and that’s given me options.”

Results (selected Stuart Kellett matches only)

Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)

Qualifying School

Sunday

First round: bt Scott Rollings (5-3)

Second round: bt Mareno Michels (5-3)

Third round: bt Bradley Williams (5-3)

Fourth round: bt Chris Quantock (5-3)

Last 32: bt Mick Todd (5-3)

Last 16: lost to Kirk Shepherd (4-5)

Saturday

First round: bt Tom Lonsdale (5-1)

Second round: lost to Scott Taylor (4-5)

Friday

First round: lost to Ryan Harrington (4-5)

Thursday

First round: bt Steve Randall (5-0)

Second round: bt Jeff Batham (5-1)

Third round: bt Paul Rowley (5-2)

Fourth round: bt Warrick Scheffer (5-3)

Last 32: lost to Steve Hine (4-5)