Kyle Manton sealed his first JDC title on Saturday afternoon as he defeated Daan Bastiaansen in a thrilling final at Riley’s Chorlton
By Josh Green (@JoshGreenMedia)
With former tour winner Brad Phillips and JDC Scholarship player Keelan Kay not attending, there were many new names looking to book their place in December’s JDC World Championships in Bristol.
Manton, 14, from Kent, booked his place in Bristol with a superb string of performances to come through a field of quality players to take the title in Manchester. An 85 average in his opening round win over dutch youngster Giani van Veen got the ball rolling. Convincing victories over Troy Brown and Sean Ashburner continued his upward momentum.
With four players remaining in the tournament, Manton would face Nathan Care, who had earlier fired in a sensational 90 average at just 14years of age. Unfortunately, the Blackburn Darts Academy thrower couldn’t replicate his stunning form in the semi-final as Manton ended his hopes with a 4-2 victory.
He would face former JDC World Championship semi-finalist Daan Bastiaansen in the final. The Dutch prodigy had consistently thrown 75plus averages throughout the day, peaking in his semi-final victory over Mitchell McCarthy. He again outplayed his opponent in terms of the averages in the final.
After racing into an early 2-0 advantage, Manton would grit his teeth and fire in a 108 check out to turn the tie on it’s head. The pair would exchange quality arrows with Bastiaanson taking out 68 and 92 as the match went to a crucial deciding leg to take home the title and the £150 prize.
Three scores of 100 plus would put Manton in control, but a late surge from the Dutchman meant that both left a single darter with three darts in hand. Manton would take out double 18 at the first time of asking to seal his first Modus JDC Tour title against his comparatively experienced opponent.
The Modus UK Junior Darts Tour will return on 15th September in Exeter. You can find out more about the Junior Darts Corporation by visiting www.juniordarts.com