At the British Open, young darts stars Jake Shipley and Macy Gibbons clinched major titles. Shipley secured his first WDF Youth championship with a hard-fought victory over Owen Bryceland, while Gibbons demonstrated her dominance by winning her eighth girls’ title of the year, notably avenging a previous loss to Paige Pauling in a thrilling final.
Jake Shipley Claims First WDF Youth Title in Thrilling Final
Bridlington Spa witnessed a significant moment as Jake Shipley secured his maiden WDF Youth title at the British Open. His journey to the championship culminated in a tense 5-3 victory over Scotland’s Owen Bryceland, a player who had been in exceptional form throughout the weekend.
Bryceland’s Dominance vs. Shipley’s Grit
- Owen “The Bandit” Bryceland had been a standout, reaching the final with impressive performances, including a dominant 4-1 semi-final win over Ben Townley, boasting a remarkable 96.44 average – the highest recorded in the later stages of the tournament.
- In contrast, Shipley’s path was less flashy but equally effective. He navigated through tough matches, including a 3-2 quarter-final win against Daniel Stephensen despite a lower average, followed by a solid 4-1 semi-final victory over Benjamin Smith.
The final started strongly for Shipley, who quickly established a commanding 4-1 lead. However, Bryceland mounted a spirited comeback, winning two consecutive legs and putting pressure on the young champion. Undeterred, Shipley held his nerve, sealing his victory on double nine to claim the coveted title.
Macy Gibbons’ Unstoppable Run Culminates in Sweet Revenge
Macy Gibbons proved to be the undisputed star of the Girls’ field, showcasing her exceptional talent and consistency throughout the British Open. Her triumph marked her eighth girls’ title of the year, a testament to her growing dominance in youth darts.
A Dominant Path to the Final
Gibbons’ performance was nothing short of spectacular:
- Quarter-Finals: She delivered a flawless performance, whitewashing Olviia Heaton 3-0 with an outstanding 80.52 average. This average was almost 14 points higher than any other winner in that round, highlighting her superior play.
- Semi-Finals: Continuing her dominant streak, Gibbons defeated Lily Blanthorn 4-0, reaching the final without dropping a single leg in the knockout stages.
The Grudge Match: Gibbons vs. Pauling
The final presented a compelling narrative as Gibbons faced former WDF Girls World Champion Paige Pauling. This match was more than just a title decider; it was a chance for Gibbons to settle an old score.
A year prior, Pauling had defeated Gibbons by the exact same scoreline in the Women’s final at the British Open. This time, however, Gibbons was not to be denied, securing a decisive 5-2 victory with a strong 77.75 average.
This triumphant win not only added another prestigious title to Gibbons’ impressive tally for 2026 but also significantly strengthens her position for a highly anticipated debut at the WDF Girls World Championship.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
