His breakthrough year came after getting his Tour Card in 2017, where he reached the final of Players Championship 18, before losing in a last leg decider against Chisnall. He qualified for the 2017 World Grand Prix in Dublin, by his position in the pro tour ranking. He won his first round match against Mark Webster 2–0 in sets, holding his opponent to just one leg, to set up a second-round tilt with Simon Whitlock.[2]
His form in 2017 saw him qualify for the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship as the highest-ranked player on the ProTour Order of Merit, but he was drawn against 5-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld, and the Dutchman dispatched North 3–0.
