A 15-Year-Old Girl Qualifies for Junior Darts Competition
A 15-Year-Old Girl Qualifies for Junior Darts Competition
A young prodigy, Lexi-Jayne Rooksby, has made waves in the world of darts by qualifying for a major junior competition. The 15-year-old from Rushden, Northamptonshire, will be competing in the prestigious JDC World Youth Championship in Gibraltar this coming November. For a young talent affectionately known as "The Knockout," this opportunity marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning darts career.
A Humble Beginning
Rooksby’s journey in darts is as surprising as it is inspiring. Just two years ago, she picked up a dart for the first time, not out of ambition but out of necessity. Her dad's pub team was short of players, and she stepped in to help. What started as a casual favor quickly revealed a hidden talent. Despite her late start, Rooksby's rapid ascension in the sport has been nothing short of remarkable.
In a short span, she has made a name for herself at the county level, competing against seasoned professionals from Northamptonshire. Among her competitors are notable figures such as Kettering’s "Rapid" Ricky Evans and the father-son duo, James and Josh Richardson, who also hail from Rushden.
Natural Talent
One of the most astonishing aspects of Rooksby's journey is her minimal practice regime. Unlike many athletes who spend countless hours refining their skills, the teenager admits she "doesn't practise much" and has never honed her skills at home. Yet, her natural talent and composure on the oche have set her apart.
Her father, Mick Rooksby, has expressed immense pride in his daughter’s achievements. "When she first started playing, there was no inkling to what she was going to be like, so when she qualified, there were a few tears," he recounted. "To only do [minimum practice] and be as good as she is—you don't really hear those kinds of stories."
Quotes
Lexi-Jayne herself remains humble about her accomplishments. "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's going to be good people there. I'll try my best."
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of natural talent and determination. As she prepares to step onto the global stage in Gibraltar, young Lexi-Jayne Rooksby is a name to watch in the world of darts. This promising young athlete’s achievements remind us all that sometimes, extraordinary talent can emerge from the most unexpected places.
