The boys’ competition was a treat for the spectators: Kendji Steinbach, the number one in the WDF, was joined by players such as Lex Paeshuyse, Bradley van der Velden, and last year’s winner, Ruben Baalmans. A whole army of Belgian talents had traveled to Assen, but the best player of the day appeared to be Florian Preis. The German posted averages of 92, 93, and 102 on his way to the semifinals, but in the final four, he was surprised by the unexpected Oden Ollevier. The Belgian had already beaten Lex Paeshuyse earlier in the day, and now found himself in the final.

Kendji Steinbach had narrowly avoided elimination a few times before eventually losing in the quarterfinals to Daan Toxopeus. Bradley van der Velden took full advantage of this: the WDF World Champion of 2023 won his semifinal, advancing to the final. Ollevier took a 2-1 lead in the final, but the crowd rallied behind Van der Velden, who went on to win. With legs in 24, 21, and 19 darts, the 17-year-old secured the title: what an impressive record he already has.

Text: Dartsactueel

Photo: Jos Groen