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Andy Jenkins and James Hubbard both qualified for the PDC’s second European Tour Event, The German Darts Championship, which takes place in Berlin next month.

The pair were amongst the 20 UK qualifiers that progressed from a field of 63 professionals at Crawley’s K2 Centre on Friday evening.

Hubbard triumphed 6-3 over Andrew Gilding and Kevin Dowling, as he continued the brilliant run of form which saw him crowned PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion on McCoy’s Premier League finals night.

“I’m really pleased with how I’ve been playing recently,” said 19-year-old Hubbard. “I want to play in every professional event, so this is another big step for me and I’m looking forward to another fantastic experience.”

Jenkins whitewashed Ryan Harrington to book his place on the plane to Berlin, after receiving a bye in round one.

By Chris Murphy

James Hubbard hailed his PDC Unicorn World Youth Final victory as ‘a dream come true’, after the 19-year-old beat Michael van Gerwen at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Norfolk youngster put on a highly impressive display to overcome his 23-year-old opponent in front of 10,000 people, ahead of the final of the McCoy’s Premier League.

Hubbard banished any fears of nerves on the big stage when he opened the match with a brilliant eleven dart leg, before going on to take the match 6-3.

“It feels amazing,” said the former painter and decorator, who only turned professional in January. “When you start playing darts, this is the stuff that dreams are made off.

“To play and win in front of 10,000 people at the O2 is just a dream come true and to come away as World Champion is amazing.”

Hubbard, who took the first three legs before van Gerwen replied, admitted that he was nervous ahead of the match.

He said: “I settled down as soon as I got on stage to be honest. I was nervous before hand but Simon Whitlock helped me brilliantly and gave me some great advice. That was a massive help and the start I made was terrific.”

‘Mighty Mike’ refused to beaten easily and Hubbard knew that he had his work cut out when the Dutchman reduced his lead to 4-3 with a fantastic 102 checkout.

“I did get quite nervous when Michael launched a comeback because he is a quality player,” said Hubbard.

“I missed a few darts a double four to go 5-1 up and then I thought about it for a leg, but I managed to clear my head and get the job done.”

Hubbard won the final two legs of the match to become World Youth Champion, and the youngster declared his gratitude for the support he has received.

“It was the best feeling in the world when that double top went in to win. I’ve come into form recently on the Pro-Tour & I’m over the moon to be in the UK Open next month,” added Hubbard, who heads to Bolton as a top 32 seed after reaching the quarter-finals of a recent qualifier.

“I’ve been helped all the way by the people around me at MODUS. Mark Webster, Paul Nicholson and Simon (Whitlock) have been brilliant. Mark sponsors me and I always want to impress him and repay the faith he has put in me.

“The same goes for everyone involved. Mervyn King will be delighted for me as well. This is for him too. I practise with him a couple of times a week and he drives me to the Pro-Tours.  He is like a second dad to me and he has given me so much advice.

“I’m happy for those guys as much as I am for myself because without their support I wouldn’t be here.”

By Chris Murphy

Simon Whitlock was denied a double comeback in the McCoy’s Premier League Play-offs, after the Australian, who hit a nine-dart finish in his semi-final triumph over Andy Hamilton, was denied victory by Phil Taylor in the final.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ came back from 4-1 down to win 8-6 in his last four clash with ‘The Hammer’, in which he produced a moment of pure magic, when he achieved the fabulous feat of a perfect leg, sending the O2 Arena’s 10,000 strong crowd into raptures.

Whitlock looked like he might produce an even more remarkable turnaround when he won five consecutive legs, to draw level with ‘The Power’ after trailing 7-2 in the final. But Taylor halted Whitlock’s charge and won the last three legs to take the coveted crown.

“It’s a bit disappointing in the end,” said Whitlock, who will now turn his attentions to next month’s UK Open in his quest for a first PDC major title.

“I had a shot to go 8-7 up but Phil deserved to win. I’ve had a fantastic Premier League season. Phil is a worthy champion.”

Taylor, who was crowned Premier League champion for the sixth time, hailed the performance of his opponent.

He said: “Simon came back at me. He’s a real fighter. I hit him has hard as I could but he kept coming back and hitting me harder. It was a very hard final to win.”

James Wade had earlier given ‘The Power’ an almighty scare, when he ran Taylor agonisingly close in the semi-final.

‘The Machine’ was undone by a brilliant 149 checkout from the world number one, when the pair where tied at 6-6, with Wade on throw in the race to eight.

Whitlock almost produced the exact same finish in the final, but just missed double 16 to take an 8-7 lead.

James Hubbard came away from London’s O2 a happy man, after beating Michael van Gerwen to be crowned PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion.

The 19-year-old produced an impressive performance to take the title and £10,000 prize money.

By Chris Murphy

See Simon Whitlock and James Wade in action in Grimsby on Friday 1st June / Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June