The England Darts Weekend in Selsey delivered an unforgettable spectacle of darts, witnessing incredible performances and history in the making. Chas Barstow dominated the England Classic with a stunning 110 average, securing his first WDF title. Archie Self achieved a remarkable double, winning both the Youth and Senior England Masters. But perhaps the most talked-about moment was 14-year-old Jayden Walker’s historic victory in the England International Open, making him the youngest-ever senior WDF title winner and shattering previous records.
Chas Barstow’s Classic Domination: A 110 Average Masterclass
The England Classic saw a truly exceptional display from Chas Barstow, who clinched his inaugural World Darts Federation (WDF) title with a performance that will be remembered. Barstow delivered the finest final of the weekend, achieving an astonishing 110.59 average to defeat Robbie Martin.
Flawless Victory
- Barstow completed a 5-0 whitewash against Martin in just 13 minutes.
- He secured legs in 15, 13, 13, 14, and 13 darts.
- Remarkably, he hit 180s in the second and third legs, showcasing his consistent power scoring.
- Despite Martin matching him with four 180s and a strong 96.91 average, Barstow’s clinical finishing left Martin stranded on high scores at the end of each leg.
This victory was hard-earned, with Barstow previously overcoming top seed Kaya Baysal 4-3 in the semi-finals and starting his Last 32 match with a 105.47 average. He took home the £1,500 top prize along with his first WDF ranking title, solidifying his place among the elite.
Archie Self’s Double Triumph: Youth and Senior Glory
Just over an hour after securing the Youth title, Archie Self returned to the stage to claim a remarkable double victory, landing his first senior WDF title in the England Masters. Self showcased immense composure and skill, defeating Callum Francis 5-1 in the final.
A Battle of Nerves and Precision
The final started with Francis taking the opening leg in just 13 darts, including two maximums. However, Self quickly turned the tide, hitting back with a 180 in the second leg to level the score. From that point, Self took control:
- He won the third and fourth legs, leaving Francis on 4 each time, highlighting his superior finishing.
- A crucial 74 checkout in the fifth leg gave him a commanding lead.
- Self then narrowly missed a “big fish” (170 checkout) in the sixth leg but swiftly cleaned up the remaining 25 for a 14-dart leg, sealing his 5-1 victory with a 92.59 average.
This double win underscores Self’s promising talent and his readiness to compete at the highest level of senior darts.
Jayden Walker: The 14-Year-Old Who Rewrote Darts History
The most sensational story of the weekend belonged to 14-year-old Jayden Walker, affectionately known as ‘The Young Gun’. Walker not only delivered on his immense talent but also shattered Kaya Baysal’s record to become the youngest-ever senior WDF title winner. His historic win came in the England International Open final, where he triumphed 5-2 over Aaron Turner.
A Performance Beyond His Years
Walker’s final performance was nothing short of extraordinary:
- He averaged an impressive 93.81.
- His arsenal included three 140s, three 180s, and a superb 136 finish to open the match.
- After taking the first two legs rapidly, Turner fought back.
- Walker secured the fourth leg after a 156 setup left him with 8, demonstrating tactical prowess.
- Even when Turner hit a double-double 91 finish in the fifth after Walker’s back-to-back 180s, Walker remained unfazed.
- He then took the sixth with an 80 checkout and sealed his historic victory with a 13-dart leg in the seventh.
Walker’s path to the final included victories over fellow young talents Archie Self in the quarter-finals and Jack Nankervis in the semi-finals, the latter won with a phenomenal 101.90 average. This victory firmly establishes Jayden Walker as a name to watch in the world of darts, proving age is no barrier to success.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
