Jurjen Van der Velde got a taste of the big time on Friday afternoon as he was in attendance for the
2024 UK Open in Minehead. The 21-year-old was down in the South-West for the third time in his
career having built up a wealth of experience on the PDC Pro Tour. His match with fellow Dutchman
Jeffrey de Zwaan was picked for the TV stage, with the two competing in front of the thousands in
attendance.
It would be a back and forth battle with Van der Velde breaking throw in the third leg to put his
opponent on the back foot. A 102 checkout added to De Zwaan’s misery before the former World
Matchplay semi-finalist got firing. Back-to-back 14-darters to it to a tenth leg where ‘The Black
Cobra’ would hold his nerve and close out the win.
There was an impressive 90 average for Cayden Smith at county level, and an ADC Vault final for Cori
Wiltshire in Bath as he continued to put in some eye-catching performances. He defeated fellow JDC
starlet Shoey Ayres in the semi-finals before averaging 86 in his final clash with Gary Barney,
unfortunately it would not be enough as Barney’s timing proved crucial in securing the win on the
night.
BY JOSH GREEN
