Scotland's Lawrie wins JDC Junior World Championship

Scotland’s Mitchell Lawrie defeated Kaya Baysal to clinch the JDC Junior World Championship title at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday.

Lawrie landed a brace of ton-plus checkouts to complete a 5-2 victory against Burnley-born Baysal, as he became the latest young star to triumph on the sport’s biggest stage.

The 15-year-old - a runner-up at the recent WDF Championship - kicked off proceedings with a clinical 120 checkout on his way to establishing a two-leg lead.

Baysal hit back with successive legs to restore parity at two apiece, although Lawrie regained control with a 112 finish in leg five, before powering his way to an impressive victory via double ten.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I’ve really put in the hours this year, and I’m over the moon to get the win," reflected Lawrie.

“I’m buzzing. JDC World Champion - words can’t describe it.

“This was for my friend Harley who passed away not long ago. I wore his sticker for the whole tournament and here at Ally Pally, so that was for him.

“I didn’t play at my best game. I was so nervous it was unbelievable, but the two ton-plus checkouts really saved me.

Lawrie and Baysal came through the Junior World Championship's early rounds in Gibraltar during November’s annual JDC Festival in the country.

Both players impressed during the early rounds, with Lawrie winning his opening three games without dropping a leg - averaging 108.91 in his win over Alfie O'Brien in the Last 32.

The Scottish teenager also overcame Logan Neil Symonds in the last 16, was a 5-1 quarter-final winner against Ilyano Snoeys and then saw off Ben Townley 5-3 to book his Ally Pally spot - averaging 92 or above four times in six games.

Burnley's Baysal, meanwhile, posted a ton-topping average in his 5-2 quarter-final win over Ryan Branley, and repeated that scoreline to win his semi-final against Kyle Gilding, having dropped just two legs in his opening four matches.