EAST Lancashire darter Bradley Brooks continued his rise to prominence after earning a spot in the UK Open, writes JOSHUA GREEN.

Brooks, who captured his to year tour card earlier in the season following a successful Q-School campaign, came through qualifying in Wigan to win a spot in the UK Open.

There were six qualifying competitions held over the last two weekends as players competed to reach the televised finals.

And Brooks, 17, went into the final tournament needing to reach at least the last 32 to qualify for Minehead.

A bright start to the day followed by a crucial win over the in-form Matthew Edgar took him into the final 32, Brooks holding his nerve to fire in a 100 checkout to win the match against Edgar.

He faced Plymouth’s Simon Stevenson in the next round but, despite a spirited display, bowed out losing 6-4.

The tournament also saw Brooks, a Rovers season ticket holder, record his first £250 on the order of merit in his fifth event.

The darter, nicknamed 'Blackburn Boy' will enter the UK Open in the first round when that tournament gets underway on March 3 having qualified in 76th place.

The leading 32 players, including the likes of Michael van Gerwen and world champion Rob Cross, come in at the third round stage.

Brooks, who last week took on Blackburn Rovers attacker Bradley Dack in a friendly match at Brockhall, said on social media after booking his spot: "Get in! I've qualified for the UK Open! Left it until late again but over the moon. Onto Minehead."