The opening weekend of the JDC Advanced Tour in Bristol delivered high drama and showcased the immense talent of junior darts players. Kaya Baysal clinched Event 1 after an incredible comeback from 5-2 down, while Mitchell Lawrie, the WDF’s top-ranked junior, secured Event 2 with a display of composure and skill. Both victories highlighted the fierce competition and bright future of the sport, with Baysal and Lawrie emerging as dominant forces.
Junior Darts Advanced Tour Kicks Off with a Bang!
Bristol’s Hanger 61 was buzzing with anticipation as the JDC Advanced Tour season began, bringing together the brightest young talents in darts. The atmosphere was electric, matching the intensity of the matches that unfolded – a true testament to the skill and determination of the next generation of elite players.
Event 1: Baysal’s Epic Comeback
The first title of the weekend went to Kaya Baysal, fresh off his WDF Slovak Masters Youth crown. The Burnley teenager demonstrated remarkable composure throughout the tournament, breezing past four English hopefuls and a Belgian opponent, dropping only six legs on his way to the final.
However, the final against Lewis Cook was anything but straightforward. Baysal found himself in a deep hole, trailing 3-0, and soon 5-2. It looked like Cook was set to claim the title. Yet, with incredible audacity, the 15-year-old Lancastrian mounted a stunning recovery, winning four consecutive legs to snatch victory in a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Cook’s Impressive Run
Despite the loss, Lewis Cook had an outstanding tournament. He notably delivered the event’s only average over 100 in a commanding semi-final win against Kyle Gilding. This performance clearly marks Cook as a player to watch.
Event 2: Lawrie’s Masterclass
The second event saw another compelling narrative unfold, culminating in Mitchell Lawrie, affectionately known as ‘Wee Sox’, standing victorious. The recently crowned WDF world number one showcased both his calm under pressure and his ability to escape tricky situations, especially in the later stages.
Unlike the first event, where English players dominated the quarter-finals, Event 2 highlighted the tour’s growing international appeal, with five different nationalities represented in the last eight. Lawrie’s path to the final included a statement victory over the in-form Kaya Baysal, ending Baysal’s unbeaten run for the afternoon.
He then overcame Mongolia’s Tergal Khurelkhuu before facing a tense semi-final against Jayden Walker. The 12-year-old Devon sensation, brimming with talent, took a 4-3 lead after a spirited fightback. However, Lawrie, a recent Lakeside World Championship runner-up, reasserted his control with two back-to-back, clinical legs to secure his spot in the final.
Tense Final Against De Ridder
In the final, Lawrie faced Belgium’s Aaron De Ridder. De Ridder started strong, taking a 3-1 lead, but Lawrie, showing his characteristic tenacity, rallied back. After a sequence of traded legs, Lawrie ultimately sealed yet another prestigious accolade. De Ridder, like Lewis Cook in Event 1, can take pride in being the only player in his event to achieve a ton-plus average, though undoubtedly he would have preferred the win.
What’s Next for Junior Darts?
With two thrilling titles already decided, the action continues in Bristol as these ambitious young players reconvene for two more events. The stage is set for more drama, more incredible darts, and the continued rise of the sport’s future stars.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
