WORLD SPORT

Introducing the 13-Year-Old Darts Prodigy Competing for the World Title at Ally Pally, with Luke Littler as an Admirer

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At just THIRTEEN years old, LEX PAESHUYSE is set to compete for a world title at Ally Pally later this month.

The Belgian talent will go up against English player Daniel Stephenson, who is three years his senior, in the Junior Darts Corporation final on December 21.

Lex Paeshuyse, right, will play at Ally Pally next month for a junior world title

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Lex Paeshuyse, right, will play at Ally Pally next month for a junior world titleCredit: Instagram
Paeshuyse is making a name for himself at just 13 years of age

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Paeshuyse is making a name for himself at just 13 years of ageCredit: mastercaller.com

He has reached this most anticipated London showdown after defeating opponents aged up to 18 in a tournament held in Gibraltar.

Initially, Paeshuyse faced difficulties during the competition, with one match seeing him average just 52 points.

However, his luck turned around after 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke Littler observed him play in one of his matches.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Paeshuyse’s mother, Inez, mentioned, “The beginning was tough. It didn’t go as he planned. There were also several equipment changes which made him a bit anxious.

“After the preliminary rounds, we were still wondering, ‘How will we turn this around?’ Then he immediately faced Branley, who had won the tournament against Luke Littler just days prior.

“It was disheartening again, especially since it was against a player they are making a documentary about.

“With all the cameras on him, it was nerve-wracking, and in the next match, Littler himself was there watching Lex. There was always something happening!”

Aside from the JDC final, Paeshuyse will also participate in the World Youth Championship—a tournament previously won by Littler in 2023.

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Luke Littler attended one of Paeshuyse's matches

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Luke Littler attended one of Paeshuyse’s matchesCredit: Getty

Inez has expressed their amazement at his rapid advancement.

She noted, “Lex still surprises me daily. We entered this without any expectations, and now he is performing at this level… it’s unreal.

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“Time is flying. Just six months ago we began participating in JDC to see where it would lead.

“And now, next month, he’ll be on the grand stage at ‘Ally Pally’ as the first Belgian ever in the final of the JDC World Championship.

“It’s incredible, but we stay grounded.”