Tommy Lishman is already making a name for himself in the sport. A Challenge Tour title, nine-darter on the MODUS Super Series and a number of ProTour ventures have put him on the darting map. While he is thoroughly enjoying the experience, there is still more progress to be made with the 31-year-old confident that he has the tools to do so, but is treading patiently.
Before talking about darts, he spoke to Bang on Target about himself and life away from darts. “Well, I’ve recently turned 31, live in Hull and live with my partner and recently turned 1-year-old. I work at a Garage Installation company called Everard as a Customs Controller, as well as being supervisor in a busy Stores Room/Warehouse.” Sitting 94th in the Players Championship Order of Merit, Lishman has earned his chances through competing on the Challenge Tour. Already having amassed £7,900, he is placed in third after already winning a title in the first event.
That Challenge Tour title marked a maiden PDC title and has since taken him to a higher level. “Yeah very surprised,” he said. “I went to Q-School in January out of form and got my arse handed to me a bit. Heading to the Challenge Tour, I was very worried, fully expecting to just turn up, not perform, then end up being forgotten about a little bit.” He added: “Also, I’d have been higher in the Order of Merit last year if I didn’t miss a weekend for the birth of my child. So yeah, to win one was very unexpected and I got a bit emotional. But also after 2025 I did have the belief that year I’d win one. I was just on a downer at the start of 2026.” He has reached another final since, losing in the 12th event of the year to Harry Ward who sits in 10th on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit.
Back in 2025, the work paid off and he was able to compete in the UK Open. “UK Open was amazing (except the drive!). Again I was full of confidence but also relieved to win a game. Going all that way without a guarantee of prize money is daunting. Can’t wait to get back there again.” Lishman also spoke about the difference from the Challenge Tour to ProTour. “It’s a lot different. I like the two-in-a-day format, providing you’ve done well in event one. If you lose early, it’s such a long wait and hard to balance your food, drink, practice and even motivation. If you’ve done well, you just roll with it. Pro Tour, however, I enjoy because we get a lot longer to prepare and kind of enjoy the day and the moment.” He noted that he is normally one of the first at the venue: “I’m an early bird with the two Toms [Bissell and Lovely]. Only Merv [King] beats us there.”
Lishman’s journey started on the Development Tour back in 2012. “Yeah, it did. I didn’t overly do well at youth level, but I competed to enjoy it and I did pick up some great wins at the time against the odd world-class player, which made it worth carrying on.” It was the MODUS Super Series which got him back on his feet. “Finances. I didn’t have the money to go myself, nor the commitment to darts or the interest in going. Darts hasn’t ever been the world’s biggest priority for me. I’m not a die-hard practiser and I just didn’t really have the oomph to even consider going. Once MODUS Super Series became a thing, I wanted to go there as I believed I was good enough to play with the players participating there. I won the first Vault qualifier Finals Day and that kind of kick-started darts again. Three MODUS Super Series appearances and a nine-darter later, I was heading to Q School for the first time in five years with backing and belief.” He concluded: “A Tour Card is always the goal for any player, but right now I’m in the greatest spot ever. Some people get cards early and go in there like lambs to the slaughter. I’m getting to ply my trade at the top of the Challenge Tour and have fast become one of the best in the room, but I also get to dabble in Pro Tours to get used to the set-up, atmosphere and mentality, so when I do get a card, I’m ready.”
