Get ready for an electrifying showdown at the British Open Youth Darts Finals! Scotland’s Owen Bryceland, dubbed “The Bandit,” will face England’s Jake Shipley in the Boys’ final after Bryceland delivered a stunning 96.44 average in his semi-final win. In the Girls’ final, the unstoppable Macy Gibbons, who hasn’t dropped a single leg in her last two matches, takes on former WDF World Champion Paige Pauling in a highly anticipated all-English clash. Both finals promise gripping action and are set to unfold live on stage at Bridlington Spa on Sunday evening.
The Boys’ Final: Bryceland’s Brilliance vs. Shipley’s Steady Ascent
The journey to the Boys’ final has been marked by incredible performances, with Owen Bryceland stealing the spotlight. Known as “The Bandit,” Bryceland showcased his phenomenal form in the semi-finals:
- He defeated in-form Ben Townley 4-1.
- His average was an outstanding 96.44, the highest across both the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
- Despite Townley’s strong 92.38 average, Bryceland allowed him only a single leg.
Bryceland’s quarter-final match against Toby Clements was a tighter affair, ending 3-1 with averages of 84.81 to 83.78, demonstrating his ability to win under pressure.
On the other side of the draw, Jake Shipley carved out his path to the final with consistent play:
- Shipley overcame Benjamin Smith 4-1 in the semi-finals, preventing Smith from replicating his impressive 93.38 average from the quarter-finals.
- His quarter-final saw him edge out Daniel Stephenson 3-2, even though he was slightly out-averaged in that match.
While Bryceland’s path has been more explosive, Shipley has shown resilience and the ability to win crucial legs, setting the stage for a compelling final.
The Girls’ Final: Gibbons’ Dominance Meets Pauling’s Pedigree
The Girls’ final features two exceptional talents, with Macy Gibbons entering as the player to beat:
- Gibbons has been in sensational form, reaching the final without dropping a single leg in her last two matches.
- She whitewashed Olivia Heaton 3-0 in the quarter-finals with a remarkable 80.52 average, nearly 14 points higher than any other winner in that round.
- She followed this with another dominant 4-0 victory over Lily Blanthorn in the semi-finals.
Her clean sweep highlights her current supremacy in the field.
Challenging Gibbons is Paige Pauling, a player with an impressive history and a reputation for performing on the big stage:
- Pauling is the reigning 2024 WDF Girls World Champion.
- She also secured the 2025 JDC Girls Series title.
- Her path to this final was more challenging, including a nail-biting 3-2 win in a deciding leg against Lucy Shepherd in the quarter-finals.
- She then defeated Taylor Field 4-2 in the semi-finals.
This final carries extra weight as Pauling previously beat Gibbons 4-0 in the semi-finals of the 2025 England Classic Girls event, ultimately winning that title. This history adds an intriguing layer to what promises to be an entertaining and fiercely contested match.
Don’t Miss the Action!
Both the Boys’ and Girls’ British Open Youth Darts Finals will be held on stage at Bridlington Spa this Sunday evening. With Bryceland’s red-hot form, Gibbons’ undeniable dominance, and Pauling’s championship pedigree, these matches are guaranteed to deliver high drama and exceptional darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
