A young darts player, who is a member of Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, came home victorious from a darts competition at the weekend.
Joe Westby, won the Junior Darts Corporation’s (JDC) Super 16 final in Milton Keynes on Sunday, defeating Cayden Smith 5-2, which sees the final played on stage annually during the Professional Darts Corporation's Cazoo Masters.
The 14-year-old was initially meant to be taking on teenage darts sensation Luke Littler in the final
However, the 17-year-old, who reached the World Darts Championship final on debut before winning the Bahrain Masters last month and joining Premier League Darts, pulled out after saying he was no longer able to attend the competition final.
Joe’s succeeds two-time winner Luke Littler and Irish talent Keane Barry as winners of the JDC Super 16.
The 14-year-old progressed unbeaten through November's early rounds in Coventry, which saw a group stage followed by knockout rounds from the last 16 onwards.
Despite having only been playing darts for two years, mainly in the JDC's Blackburn Academy, Westby showed no nerves to open up a 4-0 lead over Smith in Sunday's final.
Stourport-on-Severn's Cayden, a 16-year-old who competes alongside Westby on the JDC’s advance tour, won back-to-back legs to hit back.
Joe sealed victory in style by landing his fourth 180 of the game as he secured the title.
"It feels amazing," Joe said after scooping the illustrious prize.
"To have my name on the same trophy as Keane Barry and Luke Littler is phenomenal.
"It's been really good experience for me. I didn't feel any nerves, I was focused on the job that I needed to do and I'm pleased with myself.
"I practice every night, I go to multiple leagues and play in different tournaments, locally and JDC, and I think I'm doing really well."
Luke Littler won back-to-back JDC Junior World Championship titles before his stunning run to the World Darts Championship final recently, which has sparked a surge of interest in the sport from young players.
The 17-year-old made his Premier League debut earlier this month, beating Luke Humphries to avenge his Worlds final loss, before being narrowly beaten by Michael Smith in the semi-final.
Joe said: "Every academy across England has had a massive boost in people wanting to join up because of Luke.
"It's amazing what he's done, so hopefully I can follow in his footsteps."
Keith Brunt, director of Blackburn Youth Darts Academy and also Joseph’s manager, said Joe’s darts career is looking bright.
He said: “We are all extremely proud of Joseph. What an achievement. He played out his skin and enjoyed the whole experience.
“He had no nerves and even handled the press interviews with real professionalism.
“He is one talented 14-year-old and I as his manager and the academy director of Blackburn Youth Darts Academy am totally filled with joy.
“He will get his name on the cup that Luke Littler has won twice and Kean Barry previous to him, both are now professional darters. The future is bright for Joseph.”
The JDC's 2024 activity will be headlined by their 32-player advanced tour - which will include both Westby and Smith as well as Travis Cullen.
The second-tier foundation tour will be accompanied this year by a new girls' series of 16 events across four weekends.
The next JDC Super 16 will expand to feature 64 players in the final stage, while the JDC Junior World Championship and European Open will also take place during 2024.
The JDC currently operates 64 Academies globally, with plans in place to introduce a further 20 during 2024.
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