Perhaps ‘The English Are Coming’ afterall? Much attention has been given to the youngsters of the Netherlands and our Celtic neighbours. But, a pair of English teenagers are the latest WDF Champions:
Paige Pauling became the third WDF Girls’ World Champion on Sunday evening, defeating close friend Sophie McKinlay in straight sets.
In what was a fast-paced game played in good spirits, Pauling kicked off with a 16-dart break before holding on her own throw in 17. McKinlay got on the board in the third leg but couldn’t push back any more, Pauling wrapping up the first set with a 19-darter.
McKinlay had chances in most legs in set one but was unable to take them. She came out of the blocks in the second set, pinning 80 for a break of throw in the opening leg.
16-year-old sensation Pauling, who’d won 16 Youth titles already this year, fought back immediately though by breaking back, holding throw and then taking out 80 in two darts to seal a 2-0 victory.
Pauling finished with a 73.88 average, the highest in WDF Girls’ World Championship history and will be hoping to return next year to defend her crown.
15-year-old Archie Self caused an upset in the WDF Boys’ World Championship final, coming from behind to defeat top seed Jenson Walker 3-2.
Walker had won 10 WDF Youth ranking titles in 2024 and he made the stronger start in the final, defying a 94 out to win the first set 3-1 with successive legs in 15 and 17 darts and two maximums.
‘The Interceptor’ also won the opening leg of the second set but Self turned on the afterburners to level it up going into the break, before then winning the third 3-1 to move in front.
Walker wouldn’t go down without a fight, taking the fourth set 3-2 with a 137 out in the first leg before keeping his hopes alive with a delightful 131 finish in the decider.
Self stole a march in the fifth though, following up a hold of throw by producing a 103 out to break Walker’s throw. He then converted his sixth match dart on double five to win it 3-2.
‘The Archer’ finished with an 81.34 average and is the first English winner of the Boys’ World Championship in five years.
——ENDS——
Photos: Chris Sargeant/Tip Top Pics and WDF
