STUART Kellett’s wait for a return to the stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool will go on after he missed out on a place at this month’s World Matchplay.
The Northwich darter, who suffered a first-round exit on his debut against defending champion Phil Taylor two years ago, is not among the 32 names who will compete for the prestigious title this time around.
He exited both of this weekend’s Players’ Championship events, which act as qualifiers, at the second stage.
It leaves him short of the prize money required to be part of tomorrow’s draw.
On Saturday, the 33-year-old won a deciding leg in Wigan to see off Jamie Lewis (6-5), only to bow out following a 6-2 reverse against Professional Darts Corporation newcomer Alan Norris in his next match.
Kellett played against siblings on Sunday, squeezing past teenager Roxy-James Rodriguez – again after clinching the 11th leg – in his opener.
However older brother Rowby-John, who represented Austria at the World Cup of Darts last month, ended the Cheshire regular’s run in the second round.
Kellett collected £500 as a reward for his two wins.
It marks the end of a disappointing weekend after he failed to secure a spot at the European Trophy and the European Matchplay on Friday.
Defeats to Premier League star Stephen Bunting (2-6) and Yorkshireman Darren Johnson (4-6) ended early his involvement in UK qualifiers at the same venue.
Kellett will hope for better fortune when he travels to Germany later this week for the European Open in Dusseldorf.
Results
European Darts Trophy
UK Qualifier
Friday
Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Eddie Dootson. Round Two: Stephen Bunting 6-2 Stuart Kellett.
European Darts Matchplay
UK Qualifier
Friday
Round One: Darren Johnson 6-4 Stuart Kellett.
Players’ Championship 13
Saturday
Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Jamie Lewis. Round Two: Alan Norris 6-3 Stuart Kellett.
Players’ Championship 14
Sunday
Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Roxy-James Rodriguez. Round Two: Rowby-John Rodriguez 6-4 Stuart Kellett.
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