MERVYN KING broke down in TEARS after regaining his PDC Tour Card just two months before his 60th birthday.
The oche veteran reached the semi-final of the last day of Qualifying School in Milton Keynes to secure his return to the professional circuit.
It is a huge moment for the cult darts hero after he was declared bankrupt last year which left him fearing for his home and three dogs.
He owed over £500,000 to HMRC in unpaid taxes, which was built up as he admitted he did not know he had to pay tax on his winnings from his darts career.
On his success in MK, he admitted: “It means the world to me. I fought hard every day. Everything had to go today.
“I wouldn’t say everything went my way. It was slightly easier. Some shots went my way when I really needed them.
“Even though I’m shedding a few tears I’m the happiest guy you’ll ever see at the moment.
“It’s hard work regardless. To actually make that step and get back on tour is something really serious for me. It’s fantastic.
“I still think I’ve got something to offer the game. So that’s why I’m here and that’s why I’ve been crying because I don’t think I’m finished yet.
“I think I’ve got some great games to offer on TV. That’s why I keep going. I don’t think I’m done yet.”
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Big names did miss out at Q-School. Fallon Sherrock will also have to wait at least another year if she is to win a Tour Card for the first time after a difficult four days.
Steve Beaton came out of retirement to try to regain his card but came up short, as did three-time World Champion John Part.
Andreas Harrysson was one win away from securing his card at Alexandra Palace, but fell to Jonny Clayton and narrowly missed out at Q-School.
Andy Baetens, Jose de Sousa and Matt Campbell all lost their card following the World Championship and none were able to make an immediate return.
But Ally Pally hero Charlie Manby won the final day in Milton Keynes to seal his place as a professional.
The bricklayer from Huddersfield, 20, will now have to juggle the day job with being a budding darts star.
He said: “It feels amazing, the hard work has finally paid off. It’s a great feeling.
“Going into today, you want to win it outright, whether it’s first day or last day it didn’t really matter. It just puts a statement out there.
“There was a bit of pressure but I felt comfortable. I felt the same as every other game. You’ve still got to get over the line no matter who you are.
“Everything just dropped in sweetly today.
“The pressure off everyone else, you feed off it. I play better against better players.
“The sky is the limit. If I put the hard work in I believe I can do anything in this sport.”
