12/07/2026
Jack Johnson sets new record
Mark this day in history as the day a 14-year-old boy from London becomes the youngest player to win the UKDA National Men’s Singles Winner!
Jack Johnson started the day with a 4-1 win over Steve Price averaging 80.64. In a day that saw him go from strength to strength, he started taking wins against some of the countries best players. In round 3 he hit his 1st 90+ average of the day as he beat William Leonard 4-3 in a very close match averaging 96.46.
In the last 32 game against Jamie Key, Jack ran out a 4-0 winner with a 96.97 average.
His next game was against the incredibly talented Martin Lukeman (currently ranked 38th in the PDC order of merit). Jack didn’t seem to feel any pressure as he stormed to a 4-1 win hitting a 150 finish in the 4th leg.
Quarterfinal. Sean Holley became the next player to fall to the youngster who dropped 1 leg averaging 90.04.
Semi-final and James Hubbard became the next victim, as Jack continued his march to a record-breaking final.
Owen Bates, who had himself had a few difficult hurdles to overcome was a worthy opponent. Having taken out Thomas Banks with a 101.63 average in round 2 he started his run to final in fine form. On his way to the final he beat Kacey Jones (who hit a perfect 9 dart leg at county for Salopian this season) before putting in another 100.2 average against Dean Reynolds in the quarterfinals.
In his semi-final, he had a battle with Darryl Pilgrim winning a very close match 5-4 with a 99.79 average.
Everything pointed to what was already expected to be a great final.
With a potential 11 legs to play, for the first 8 legs, the 2 players who have a combined age of just 37 years, traded blows as there was nothing to separate them. Jack tool legs 1 and 2 with a fantastic 160 finish in the 2nd. Owen came back in the 3rd and 4th legs before the pair shared the next 4 legs. At 4-4 it looked like the final was going to the wire.
It didn’t!
Leg 9 and Jack took just 15 darts and a 126 finish to move within 1 leg of victory.
Leg 10 and against the darts, the young lad needed just 12 darts and a 145 finish to become the youngest player to take the title.
Cue the celebrations. To a rapturous applause from all those who had stayed to watch the final. Even Owen, gracious in defeat joined in celebrating the young London lads achievement.
With the prize money of £3500, and a box of crisps, Jack is looking forward to a nice meal out tonight.
To have been a witness to the incredible achievement of the young lad, is a privilege. The standard of his darts is amazing, and we know that he will be back in the future with many more titles on the way.
