STUART Kellett’s focus is on winning back a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour card after missing out on a place at next month’s World Championships.

The Northwich thrower lost 5-3 in the first-round of Monday’s qualifier against Welsh ace Jamie Lewis, who will play at Alexandra Palace for a sixth successive year after winning a play-off later the same afternoon.

“It wasn’t to be for me,” said the 36-year-old.

“Fair play to Jamie – he threw awesome darts at the end.”

Lewis, who was 30th seed in London for the 2017 edition, went on to eliminate Kevin Simm (5-0), Paul Nicholson (5-3), Mick McGowan (5-4) and David Pallett (5-2) before ending the hopes of young left-hander Chris Quantock (5-3).

His reward is a preliminary round date with Kenny Neyens from Belgium.

Should he prevail, then a meeting with country man Jonny Clayton – runner-up to Michael van Gerwen at the Players’ Championship Finals in Minehead on Sunday – awaits at the next stage.

Kellett will spend time now preparing for Qualifying School – a four-day competition during which two-year tour cards are up for grabs – at Wigan in January.