Tergel Khurelkhuu is the new JDC world number one following his Advanced Tour heroics – but his rise in the darts world has not come without sacrifice.
The 14-year-old is now a regular winner at JDC events but it has not always been easy for him since opting to pursue his darts dream.
As the only Mongolian player – and indeed the only player from outside Europe – on the Advanced Tour, Tergel must spend long periods away from home.
He has excellent support, notably from Odbileg Khayankhyarvaa, his coach and a key figure in Mongolian darts, who travels with him to events and provides an excellent bridge between his homeland and his darting ambitions.
JDC director Jamie Cooper said: “Tergel’s story so far is one of huge commitment. There’s obviously the travel side of it, being away from his family and friends, and having to juggle his education in Mongolia.
“But there’s also the dedication when he’s over here competing. As soon as he has finished his game, he goes over to an empty board and starts practicing again straightaway. He wants to be as good as he can – and he’s working hard to make sure that happens.”
Tergel’s first experience of the JDC came when he travelled to Gibraltar in 2022 aged 12 as part of a Mongolian team who shocked everyone by reaching the World Cup semi-final.
He also threw two 80-plus averages on his way to the World Championship last 16 that year, before losing to Luke Littler’s 107 average 12 months later.
In 2024, he attended Q School and won his Advanced Tour card in the first event, eventually finishing 10th on the tour despite missing four events due to education reasons.
Noticing his progress, and how well he was representing his country on the global darting stage, the Mongolian embassy in London offered to help Tergel by allowing him to stay there while competing in England.
His performances have continued to improve, losing 5-4 to eventual world champion Lex Paeshuyse in the semi-final in Gibraltar last winter, before kicking on again in 2025.
JDC chief executive Darren Barson said: “On the penultimate weekend of the Advanced Tour, he lost in three finals. At that point, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s not going to happen for you – but he bounced back and won two events on the final weekend to win the whole thing.
“This is a player with real character to go alongside his ability. He certainly isn’t a flash in the pan.”
There are plans for an academy system in Mongolia itself, while the hope is that Tergel’s success will spark interest from other countries who have seen a previously unheralded darts nation making waves in the junior game.
For now, though, Tergel is standing out as someone who is willing to make sacrifices to achieve his darting dreams – and is showing the talent to back up that commitment.
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