Patrick Bulen, a 55-year-old Belgian darts player, has been provisionally suspended from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit following an alleged outburst at the Kalkar Qualifying School. Bulen, who competed in the 2006 World Darts Championship, was attempting to secure a Tour Card for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He had a promising start on the first day of the three-day event, positioning himself for a strong finish in the final phase. However, his tournament run was abruptly halted by the alleged incident.
The incident reportedly occurred following a tense match against Dmitriy Zhukov. Bulen, after building a 4-3 lead, lost the final two legs, culminating in a 5-4 defeat. Reports suggest that Bulen missed several crucial match darts in the decisive ninth leg, which allegedly triggered his outburst. He is accused of making an obscene gesture, verbally attacking the PDC, referring to the organization as a “cancer” and a “disease,” and physically lashing out by kicking chairs across the room. These actions led to his immediate suspension from the tournament and a potential ban from future PDC events.
The PDC has yet to officially comment on the length or terms of Bulen’s suspension, pending a full investigation. The severity of the alleged actions could result in a significant ban, impacting Bulen’s professional darts career. Attempts to reach Bulen for comment have reportedly been unsuccessful, leaving his perspective on the incident unknown.
Meanwhile, the Qualifying School continued, with other aspiring players vying for coveted Tour Cards. Kai Gotthardt emerged victorious in a nail-biting final against Steven Noster, securing his place on the professional circuit. This hard-fought victory highlights the competitive nature of the qualifying process and the pressure faced by players seeking to establish themselves in the world of professional darts.
In a parallel qualifying event held in Milton Keynes, Justin Hood also earned a Tour Card after defeating Bradley Brooks. These successful qualifiers represent the new wave of darts talent aiming to make their mark on the PDC circuit. Their achievements contrast sharply with Bulen’s alleged outburst, underscoring the importance of professionalism and sportsmanship within the competitive environment.
The incident involving Bulen serves as a reminder that even under intense pressure, maintaining composure and respecting the integrity of the sport are paramount. While the PDC investigates the allegations and determines appropriate disciplinary action, the focus remains on the ongoing competition and the emerging talent seeking to carve their path in professional darts. The contrasting narratives of success and alleged misconduct highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the sport.
