Playing darts took a backseat for the last couple of weeks, but it was time for our young team
to spring back into action for 2024. With Alexandra Palace taking priority over the last fortnight
there is very little to report in terms of throwing, but some big opportunities on the horizon.
However, Keelan Kay returned to local competition in his efforts to step up his practice with QSchool on the horizon. The Devon based thrower reached the final in Bideford only losing out to a
former England International.
Following the success of Luke Littler in London, Team360’s Cayden Smith will step into to replace
him in the JDC Super 6 final at Milton Keynes in early February. Smith originally lost to the teenage
sensation in the semi-finals of the qualifiers, but with Littler now being a top 32 PDC player Smith
will have his opportunity to shine on the Masters stage.
Fabian Tapner took the honours in local competition with fellow Team360 star Hannah Meek also
reaching the last 16. Wales will also have representation in Q-School from Team360 with Connor
Hopkins giving it a crack as he looks to secure a PDC Tour card, as will Norfolk’s Nathan Potter.
Check back next week to see how Kay and Hopkins got on in Milton Keynes.
Team360 would have three representatives at PDC Q-School with Keelan Kay, Nathan Potter and
Connor Hopkins all searching for a glimpse of pro tour action. It was a sensational start from
Plymouth thrower Kay, who reached the final stage courtesy of a last 16 run on day one.
Potter would position similarly after reaching the last 32 on day one, but narrowly missed out after
early exits on the following two days. Hopkins would have his best moment on day two as he
chalked up his first win, but not to be this year for the Welshman.
The four day final stage would see Kay defeated by JDC star Thomas Banks in his opener, with Darren Webster getting the better of him on day two. ‘The Lord of the Board’ would show signs of promise on day three defeating Danny Lauby and Kai Fan Leung to reach the last 16. With the tour card coming into view on the final day of action, it wouldn’t be this time for Kay as he was again defeated early on by Matt Caste.
There was an impressive showing from Cori Wiltshire at the JDC Q-School. Following a final at
Brown’s Bar earlier in the week, the former Cadet reached a last 16 and quarter-final on Saturday
before suffering early exits on day two. Rebecca Allen recorded mirrored results to Wiltshire,
reaching a last 16 and then a quarter-final in the final two events.
Adam Dee claimed his first ADC Vault win over 2024 after a strong end to the previous season,
making his televised debut on the famous Lakeside stage. Although an 88 average in the group stage would lead the averages, an 83 was enough to see off Jack Courtney in the final four. He then held his nerve in a deciding leg to defeat Katie Sheldon in a highly competitive final.
It was a great weekend for Ireland’s Adam Dee who claimed the trophy in the Carlow Youth Cup. The youngster breezed through the opening rounds, dropping just a single leg en route to a final meeting with James Morris. Gritting his teeth, Dee showed terrific resolve to fend off Morris in a nerve-wracking final leg to take the win.
Dee would double up his trophy haul for the weekend not long later, underlining the excellent form he is currently experiencing. This time he was tested much earlier, defeating Blake Martin and Jamie French in deciding legs. But the final win would come in convincing fashion as he blew away Mark Whelan 4-1.
It was also a success filled weekend for Ryan Branley who captured the Tamworth Youth darts open title. He defeated another very capable Team360 star in Jack Nankervis in the semi-finals, before seeing off Hayden Ball 5-1 in the final.
Rebecca Allen came oh so close to a JDC Advanced Tour card as European Q-School as she made a final and a semi-final on the final day of action in the Netherlands. Having reached a quarter-final on day one, Allen would push Moritz Linn in the final having averaged 75 in her semi-final win.
The young Irishwoman would keep that momentum going into the final tournament having produced some of her best darts earlier in the day as she reached the final four, losing out in another deciding leg.
It was a great weekend for Ireland’s Adam Dee who claimed the trophy in the Carlow Youth Cup. The youngster breezed through the opening rounds, dropping just a single leg en route to a final meeting with James Morris. Gritting his teeth, Dee showed terrific resolve to fend off Morris in a nerve-wracking final leg to take the win.
Dee would double up his trophy haul for the weekend not long later, underlining the excellent form he is currently experiencing. This time he was tested much earlier, defeating Blake Martin and Jamie French in deciding legs. But the final win would come in convincing fashion as he blew away Mark Whelan 4-1.
It was also a success filled weekend for Ryan Branley who captured the Tamworth Youth darts open title. He defeated another very capable Team360 star in Jack Nankervis in the semi-finals, before seeing off Hayden Ball 5-1 in the final.
Rebecca Allen came oh so close to a JDC Advanced Tour card as European Q-School as she made a final and a semi-final on the final day of action in the Netherlands. Having reached a quarter-final on day one, Allen would push Moritz Linn in the final having averaged 75 in her semi-final win.
The young Irishwoman would keep that momentum going into the final tournament having produced some of her best darts earlier in the day as she reached the final four, losing out in another deciding leg.
—-ENDS—-
Words: Josh Green and Winmau
