WINDOW cleaner Dave Bird, from Winsford, surprised even himself after coming through the Professional Darts Corporation’s qualifying school on Thursday to win a tour place.

The 34-year-old, who has broken into the Cheshire A team in the past 12 months, began with a win over two-time major quarter finalist Mark Hylton.

He saw off Andrew Johnson and Kevin Voornhout before enjoying a 5-1 victory against Steve Hine, who has previously played in the UK Open’s last eight.

On a roll, Bird went on to defeat Ian McFarlane without dropping a leg and bettered Brian Woods 5-3 in a decider to win a tour card at the end of only his second day of professional competition.

“I’m astonished,” he said.

“I always thought it was possible that I’d win a tour card as I know what I can do, but I’m speechless to have done it in two days at Q School.

“Reaching the last 32 on the first day really helped me, and even though I was playing some pretty big names today I kept focused on my darts.

“I just shut up shop and didn’t let who I was playing bother me. Luckily it came good!”

He added: “I’ve only been playing for eight years and in the past 12 months or so I’ve made it into the Cheshire team and played alongside a few guys who play on the PDC circuit like Stuart Kellett and Dave Pallett.

“I’ll join them in the PDC now and see how the year goes.

“I’m fortunate enough that my boss is one of my biggest fans; since I started working for him he’s helped out giving me time off to play darts. I hope that continues now!”