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Antonio Alcinas retained his PDC ProTour status by winning a tour card on day one of Qualifying School in Wigan on Wednesday.

The Spanish star, who had to compete in the 340-strong field of hopefuls after falling out of the top 64 on the Order of Merit, was one of four players to pick up a two-year tour card on the opening day.

The 34-year-old progressed with flying colours on what was his first attempt at ‘Q-School’, winning six matches to seal success.

“I’m so happy to keep my place on the circuit,” said Alcinas, who defeated Brian Woods in the decisive game.

“There is a lot of pressure at Qualifying School and it gives me a lot of confidence to come here for the first time and get through it.

“It has been a tough year but I’ve continued to work hard and I hope this is the start of it paying off.”

Alcinas dropped just one leg in his first three victories, defeating Matt Edgar, Rocco Maes and Kevin Bambrick.

He then saw off Matthew Dennant 5-3 and David Dodds 5-2 before beating former Lakeside semi-finalist Woods 5-3 to regain his tour card.

The day’s other winners were Kyle Anderson, Benito van de Pas and Andrew Gilding.

Isle of Wight youngster Keegan Brown came close, losing his final to Australia’s Anderson.

But Brown, who is sponsored by Simon Whitlock, picked up nine ranking points towards the final ‘Q School’ Order of Merit, putting him in a strong position to secure a card on completion of the four-day event.

By Chris Murphy