A 15-Year-Old Girl Qualifies for Junior Darts Competition
A 15-Year-Old Girl Qualifies for Junior Darts Competition
A 15-year-old girl has earned a spot in a major junior darts competition, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning darts career. Lexi-Jayne Rooksby from Rushden, Northamptonshire, will compete in the prestigious JDC (Junior Darts Corporation) World Youth Championship in Gibraltar this coming November.
Known affectionately as "The Knockout," Rooksby's journey to this major event is a testament to her natural talent and determination.
A Humble Beginning
Rooksby's entrance into the world of darts is a story of serendipity and raw talent. She started playing darts just two years ago, initially to help out her dad's pub team, which was short of players. What began as a casual gesture quickly turned into something much more significant as her talent became readily apparent.
Rapid Rise
In an impressively short span of time, Rooksby has made her mark on the county level, facing seasoned professionals from Northamptonshire. These competitors include Kettering’s "Rapid" Ricky Evans and the father-son duo, James and Josh Richardson, who also hail from Rushden. Her ability to hold her own against such experienced players underscores her extraordinary potential.
Natural Talent
One of the most astonishing aspects of Rooksby's journey is her minimal practice regime. The teenager admits she "doesn't practise much" and has never honed her skills at home. Yet, despite this lack of extensive practice, she has demonstrated a level of skill and composure that many seasoned players would envy.
Rooksby's father, Mick, expressed immense pride in his daughter's accomplishments. "When she first started playing, there was no inkling of what she was going to be like, so when she qualified, there were a few tears," Mick Rooksby said. "To only do [minimum practice] and be as good as she is—you don't really hear those kinds of stories."
Looking Ahead
As Rooksby prepares for the JDC World Youth Championship, she remains grounded and focused. "I am pleased to qualify; I didn't think I was going to get as far as I did," she shared. "I hope I do well, but there are going to be good people there. I'll try my best."
Her modesty and determination will serve her well as she contends with some of the best young dart players in the world. Whether she wins or not, her qualification alone is a victory and a glimpse into a promising future in the sport.
Conclusion
Lexi-Jayne Rooksby's rapid rise in the world of darts is an inspirational story of raw talent and determination. From helping out her dad's pub team to qualifying for an international junior championship, her journey is nothing short of remarkable. As she heads to Gibraltar this November, the world of darts watches with bated breath, anticipating the next chapter in the story of "The Knockout."
