Once again, the latest England Youth Grand Prix Opener Tour event failed to disappoint, with some of the finest young talents in the game showcasing exactly why the future of darts remains in remarkably safe hands.
Bristol’s Hangar51 is rapidly becoming the Wembley of youth darts. If you’re a middle-aged pub player who thinks they’re handy with a set of arrows, spending an afternoon watching these youngsters would quickly dent any remaining self-esteem. There are eight-year-olds taking a quick sip of Juice Boost and diving into a Pick ‘n’ Mix between visits to the board, yet producing combinations that would leave most local pub teams scratching their heads in disbelief.
This was the third event of the season on England’s south-west coast, at a venue that has quickly established itself as one of the country’s premier homes for youth darts. In fact, it makes most darting venues look like huge sports halls that sell overpriced drinks and dreadful food. Imagine that!
Beginning chivalrously with the Girls’ event, the title went to one of the game’s brightest prospects, Macy Gibbons. In truth, the description applies to virtually every youngster in the room. They make my occasional 180s look like monumental achievements, probably expending more effort deciding how to spend their pocket money than they do finding smashing in maximums.
The Nuneaton teenager stormed through the group stage, winning all five matches and dropping just two legs. Granted, the format was only a race to two, but it was still an impressive display. The 16-year-old maintained her excellent form throughout the knockout stages, repeatedly winning while conceding just a solitary leg to book a final meeting with Lucy Shepherd.
Equally impressive was the Coventry starlet, who negotiated her group with consummate ease, conceding only three legs despite playing an additional match. Welsh youngsters Mary Enos and Kirsten Casley both tested the 15-year-old in the latter stages, but Lucy dug deep when required and deservedly secured her place in the final.
In what proved to be a high-quality ‘you win three, I’ll win three’ affair, Macy raced into a 3-0 lead before Lucy produced a superb response to level matters at 3-3. However, the Warwickshire ace found another gear when it mattered most, winning the next two legs to claim the title.
In the Boys’ event, it was Kaya Baysal who lifted the trophy, defeating Jayden Walker in a thrilling deciding leg. Burnley lad, Kaya is part of the TSMC stable who have a rich history of developing young players and turning them into World Youth Champions – Dimitri van Den Bergh and Ted Evetts being two good examples.
Owner of the company, Mac Elkins secret to success – seemingly jet off to Tenerife every week and dine on the best curries on offer whilst consuming the island’s entire stock of ice. Then casually spotting teenage tungsten talent and turning them into quality professionals. No pressure then Kaya. You might just have to endure the odd trip to Villa Park though.
Awaiting Baysal in the final was another outstanding prospect in Jayden Walker. At just 13 years of age, the Dorset youngster appears destined for a bright future and is certainly one to watch over the coming years.
Both players dominated their respective groups, although Walker was made to work slightly harder during the knockout stages.
The final mirrored the girls’ showpiece in many respects. Walker exploded from the blocks like someone frantically running from a wasp, racing into a commanding 3-0 lead. Baysal, however, responded magnificently, roaring back to level the contest. With the match locked at 4-4, a deciding leg was a fitting conclusion to a superb encounter between two outstanding young talents, and it was the 15-year-old Lancastrian who held his nerve to edge over the line.
Kaya turns 16 in July and will soon make the step up to the Development Tour, where he will test himself against another generation of emerging stars. Jayden still has a few more years before making that transition, but both youngsters appear destined for the very highest level.
Judging by the talent on display in Bristol, the future of darts looks exceptionally bright. The guard is about to change – and the TikTok crew are arriving in force. At this rate, Gary Anderson won’t have anyone left to talk to on tour.
