STUART Kellett will contest the European Darts Open in July after coming through a UK qualifier at Crawley on Friday.

The Northwich darter defeated old foe Paul Nicholson (6-3) to secure a spot in Dusseldorf after victories against Stephen Willard (6-4) and Darren Johnson (6-2) had set up a decider with the Australian.

The 33-year-old’s reward is a third appearance at the annual event, where he will hope to improve on a run to the last 32 two years ago.

He followed that with his best weekend to date in Players’ Championship events, reaching the last 32 at the K2 Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

After winning a deciding leg against Terry Temple (6-5) on Saturday, he celebrated a first victory against world number 11 Brendan Dolan (6-2) since joining the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2012.

However he ran into in-form Ronny Huybrechts (1-6) in the third round.

On Sunday, Kellett eased past Mark Dudbridge (6-2) before edging improving Welshman Gerwyn Price – who lost to eventual winner Phil Taylor in the quarter finals 24 hours earlier – in a decider to again reach the last 32.

However Ian Moss ended his run, winning 6-2.

Kellett banked £1,500 in prize money over the two days, rising to just outside the top 50 in the one-year PDC ProTour Order of Merit as a reward.

He remains 39th in the world rankings.

Two more Players’ Championship events take place at Barnsley next weekend.

Results

Friday

International Darts Open

UK qualifier

Round One: Daniel Day 6-1 Stuart Kellett

European Darts Open

UK qualifier

Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-4 Stephen Willard. Round Two: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Darren Johnson. Round Three: Stuart Kellett 6-3 Paul Nicholson

Saturday

Players’ Championship Nine

Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Terry Temple. Round Two: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Brendan Dolan. Last 32: Ronny Huybrechts 6-1 Stuart Kellett

Sunday

Players’ Championship 10

Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Mark Dudbridge. Round Two: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Gerwyn Price. Last 32: Ian Moss 6-2 Stuart Kellett