At just 17 years old, Paige Pauling is one of a galaxy of promising youngsters brightly shining in the darting sky – perhaps sparkling more than most. The Kent teenager is undertaking another crack at the women’s MODUS Super Series next week, hoping for a run to what would be her maiden Finals Night.
Speaking about how the year is going, and ahead of what is a relatively short trip to Pompey, Paige caught Darts World up to speed:
“I think, all in all, I’ve been doing pretty well this year. I’ve won a few tournaments and I’m putting good time in on the practice board.”
It’s not easy juggling time on the oche with A-Levels, but the Target youngster is managing to control the balance.
“I’m studying Media and Graphic Design – focusing on things like shirt designs. School runs from 8am until 3pm, then once I’m home, I like to do an hour or so of practice with my older brother Reece, who reached a good standard at boys’ level.”
Everything about the game is a learning curve at this age, but it’s one Paige is embracing and benefiting from. The reigning WDF Girls Champion currently sits in a very respectable 18th place on the PDC Women’s Tour Order of Merit, in a circuit flooded with talent.
“Playing against the very best definitely helps improve my game. You need to focus more because they’ll capitalise on missed chances. Having missed quite a few tournaments this year, where I am on the rankings is quite an achievement. Blackpool was a bit of a reach, but I got some big scalps and that gave me confidence.”
Paige is referring to the Women’s Matchplay, which takes place in the north-west coastal town next month. It’s firmly on her radar for next year. But first, heading down to MODUS once again offers even more opportunities:
“I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ve not done as well there as I’d have liked before, but now I have the chance to put that right. It was a lack of consistency really, but there was some good stuff at times – something I need to work on. My parents and brother will be travelling down to Portsmouth with me on Saturday. Then, when I’m playing my group games, they can watch online from a Wetherspoons.”
Not a bad way to catch the action. Whatever happens, Paige will surely have many more glory days to come. Her trophy cabinet at home is already gleaming – a MODUS Super Series one alongside would look pretty nice.
—–ENDS—–
Images: WDF
