Henry Coates secured his first Junior Darts Corporation crown on Saturday afternoon as he came through a strong field at Riley’s Sheffield.
BY JOSH GREEN
Coates, who had previously made the JDC European Open semi-finals in Bristol last December has enjoyed an excellent season thus far, without finding that elusive first crown.
That unwanted record would be broken in Yorkshire as the Derbyshire ace defeated England representative Nathan Care in the final.
Having whitewashed Archie Anson in the opening round, Coates would survive match darts to defeat Eleanor Cairns in the second round. He then recorded simple victories over Harry Martin and Alfie Jacques to set up a final meeting with Care.
Former JDC Scott Farms International Tour Winner Care was arguably the most impressive performer of the afternoon. Victories over James Tabbenor and Ashley Marson got the ball rolling, before he faced JDC order of merit leader Leighton Bennett in the quarter-finals.
The Blackburn star produced his highest average of the day as he recorded a landmark victory over the undisputed JDC number one. He would breeze past Connor Pickett in the final four before being put to the sword by Coates in the final.
The opening four legs would go with throw as Coates hammered home a 102 checkout to level proceedings. He would then break throw with a 16-darter to seize the initiative before extending his advantage on double eight.
There would be a brief fightback from Care, but the earlier break of throw would prove pivotal as Coates ran out 5-3, averaging 82 in another sensational JDC final at Riley’s.
You can find out more about the Junior Darts Corporation by visiting Juniordarts.com and following @JDCDarts on twitter.
Quarter-finals
Connor Pickett 3-2 Leon Littler
Nathan Care 3-1 Leighton Bennett
Henry Coates 3-0 Harry Martin
Alfie Jacques 3-0 Danny Reid
Semi-Finals
Nathan Care 4-1 Connor Pickett
Henry Coates 4-2 Alfie Jacques
Final
Henry Coates 5-3 Nathan Care
