STUART Kellett could not get off the mark during a frustrating first weekend of qualifiers for next month’s UK Open.

The Northwich thrower exited at the first-round stage in all three events at the Robin Park Centre in Wigan - from Friday to Sunday - leaving him with work to do if he is to make the competition’s televised stage.

The 34-year-old declared himself happy with his form despite losing his opener against Scott Taylor.

“He never missed,” rued the Cheshire regular after a 6-3 reverse.

Former world championship finalist Kirk Shepherd ended Kellett’s involvement at the same stage – and with a replica result –a on Saturday, before Mark Barilli (2-6) made it a hat-trick of early losses the next day.

The qualifying series concludes with three more tournaments later this month.

After those, the top 96 players in the money standings will be rewarded with a place at the three-day tournament at Butlin’s Resort Minehead.