Jan Schmidt reaches PDC Youth World Championship final after travel rescue

German darts player Jan Schmidt has reached the final of the 2026 PDC World Youth Championship in Wigan after a last-minute travel crisis was resolved by a social media appeal.

Schmidt nearly withdrew from the tournament after his original travel companion cancelled. He turned to Instagram to seek someone with a driver's license and passport willing to drive him to England. Daniel Zadach, a dart shop owner from the Westerwald region and active league player, responded to the plea and drove Schmidt to the event.

In addition to reaching the youth world championship final, Schmidt's performance has earned him a spot in the Grand Slam of Darts.