James Hubbard insists that he has nothing to fear ahead of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The 19-year-old takes on Michael van Gerwen at London’s O2 in front of an expected record-breaking crowd of over 10,000, before the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.

The youngster has been enjoying some good form on the professional tour, and is confident that he can take that onto the big stage.

“I’ve proved recently that I can hold my own in professional events,” said Hubbard who reached his first professional quarter-final at the recent UK Open qualifier.

“My run to the quarter-final in Birmingham has given me a massive confidence boost. I’m looking forward to playing Michael, knowing that I’ve beaten players of the same calibre.

“I went to the Premier League in Newcastle last week to get a feel for the competition, and the crowd were amazing. There’s going to be at least twice as many people at the O2.

“Not every darts player gets the chance to play in front of that kind of crowd. I’m a lucky guy and hopefully I’ll be able to make the most of the opportunity I’ve got.”

Hubbard’s run in Birmingham helped him secure a place at his second major televised tournament next month, when he joins the UK Open in round three as one of the top 32 qualifiers.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

One stand-out game included a brilliant 157 checkout from Hubbard, in a deciding leg against Dennis Smith. The youngster believes that he may need to repeat this kind of sharp finishing under pressure to overcome a more experienced opponent in 23-year-old van Gerwen.

Hubbard said: “I won’t do anything out of the ordinary in preparation for the final. I’ll just stick to my usual practise routines.  My scoring has been brilliant for about a year now so I am focusing more on finishing.

“I think the pressure is more on Michael because he has more experience. He lost in the final last year as well so that could be playing on his mind.

“I have seen a lot more of him than he has of me, so I think I can use that to my advantage. I know I’ll get my chances, so I won’t panic if he puts a few really good legs in.”

Hubbard is being backed by former World Champion Mark Webster, who sponsors the 19-year-old.

“James can definitely win it and he can take a lot from what will be a fantastic experience,” said Webster, who took part in 2011 Premier League.

“He’s got the game to win. He just needs to relax and play his darts like he would anywhere else. Michael is probably the most experienced 23-year-old darts player there is but I think James will be fine.”

Hubbard, who made his TV debut at the 2011 Grand Slam of Darts, hopes to emulate the success of his friend Arron Monk, who beat van Gerwen to lift the Under-21 title last year.

He added: “Winning would mean everything to me. When you first pick up a dart you dream of being a World Champion.

“To be a World Champion at any level is a fantastic achievement and it really would be a dream come true for me.”

By Chris Murphy

MODUS are delighted to welcome an exciting new sponsorship deal with Burghley Sports, for emerging youth talents Arron Monk, James Hubbard, Chris Aubrey and Adam Smith-Neale.

Burghley Sports have an excellent reputation for producing quality and innovative promotional material, merchandise and clothing for a range of clients, including the PDC.

Current Under-21 World Champion Monk and Hubbard, who is competing in the World Youth Final on Thursday, will benefit from the support of Burghley Sports, along with the promising pair of Aubrey and Smith-Neale.

All of the players are delighted with the faith that is been put in them by such an established and highly regarded company.

Burghley Sports owner Dee Smith is equally pleased with the partnership, after choosing the four potential stars for her company’s first ever sponsorship deal.

She said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring four young and exciting darts players, who present a positive image, which we are proud to be associated with.

“We specialise in helping brands get noticed with logos and merchandise so this is a nice way for us to get our brand out there.

“This is an investment for the future. We have chosen these particular players because of we believe they will have a good future in the game and will benefit from the sponsorship.

“I have been involved in producing a variety of merchandise for the last fourteen years, up and down the country. This includes everything from personalised items for stag and hen dos to professional uniforms for major companies, as well as a wide range of merchandise for the PDC.

“We also design products, so we will design unique shirts for each of the players, which we will work closely with the players on regarding fabric, logo’s and identity. We hope this is the first step to a long and successful partnership with some of the brightest young talents in professional darts.”

To find out more about Burghley Sports, please visit their website www.burghleysports.com

By Chris Murphy