OVER on this side of the pond we’ve had a couple of ranking WDF events and plenty of youth action since last time!
Last weekend saw a brace of youth tournaments, one in Maine, and one in Florida. The Johnathan Souders Florida Open brought wins for Maddox Williams (against Raistlyn Zerby), and Alexis Achgill (over Taylor Dellinger).
Meanwhile, some 1500 miles northeast of there, Kellie-May Buzzell captured her first major win of the year with an impressive victory over Taylor Farrell, while Colin Finnegan picked up his second title of the season. Colin beat Jack Dodge.
Next stop for the Youth was the Virginia Beach Classic. Local favourite Layla Buntz took the Girls’ title from Rebecca Nunnally, and the boys’ went to Canadian Benjamin Goddard, who edged out Maddox Williams.
The White Mountain Shootout was a fortnight later, and the victors this time were Colin Finnegan (for his third of the season), and Taylor Farrell (for her third of the season).
Virginia Beach was also home to a Silver WDF event. The Men’s was won by Jason Brandon (pictured), who is making a well-timed charge up the WDF rankings with the World Championship approaching!
The Women’s event was dominated by familiar names! The final was between Paula Murphy and Cali West, with the latter grabbing the glory.
Men’s Cricket went to the fast-emerging Texan, Ethan De Veyra, who beat reigning National 501 Champ, Joey Lynaugh, in a closely-fought final. Women’s Cricket again featured Paula Murphy and Cali West. This time, it was Paula’s turn to pocket first-place money.
The week before Virginia Beach was Osage Beach, Missouri, which hosted the St. Pat’s Tournament.
The winner of the Men’s was no stranger to WDF wins – Texan Leonard Gates. ‘Soulger’ beat out his doubles partner for the weekend, Kevin Luke. The women’s saw two first-time WDF finalists, both from Missouri; It was St. Louisan Kaitlyn McKinley who pipped Springfield’s Hannah Smiley for the trophy.
With an increased number of ranked events in the US, we’re getting an increased number of Americans in the WDF rankings! Leonard ‘Soulger’ Gates heads the men at No. 20, with Kevin Luke at 33, and Jason Brandon one place behind him. Alex Spellman also creeps into the Top 50, at No. 48. Paula Murphy retains top spot for our women at No. 16, four places ahead of Cali West. Tracy Feiertag is 50th on 285, a point ahead of Marlise Kiel.
—–ENDS—–
