by Josh Green

Dover’s Kyle Manton sealed his first Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) championship as he defeated Dutch prodigy Daan Bastiaansen in a thrilling final in Manchester

Manton, 14, booked his place in December’s JDC World Championships, in Bristol, with a superb string of performances to come through a field of 38 players to take the title at Riley’s sports bar in Chorlton.

The JDC, which houses some of the worlds best youth darts talent, allows players such as Manton to compete at a high level all around the UK, offering tour winners a chance to compete on the PDC Development Tour, and become a JDC All-Star.

Manton went on his way to All Star status with an 85 average in his opening round win over Giani van Veen. Convincing victories over Troy Brown and Sean Ashburner continued his upward momentum.

With four players remaining in the tournament, Manton would face Nathan Care. Manton ended the Blackburn Academy thrower’s hopes as he won 4-2.

He would face former JDC World Championship semi-finalist Daan Bastiaansen in the finale. The Dutch prodigy had consistently thrown 75 plus averages throughout the day, peaking in his semi-final victory over Mitchell McCarthy.

After going into an early 2-0 advantage, Manton would grit his teeth and fire in a 108 out check out to turn the tie on its head.

The pair would exchange blows with Bastiaanson taking out 68 and 92 as the match went to a crucial deciding leg to take home the title and the £150 jackpot.

Three scores of 100 plus would put Manton in control, but a late surge from the Dutchman meant the 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.