STUART Kellett has an opportunity to avenge a defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode last weekend after the duo were paired together in a draw for next month’s UK Open finals.
The Northwich darter secured his place in the 128-man field, and with it a bye to the second round, after increasing his prize-money total during a second run of three qualifiers.
However his weekend started slowly following a 6-1 reverse to the Dutchman on Friday.
The 35-year-old recovered, banking £500 as a reward for recording wins on each of the following days.
Annoyed not to do enough to be top 32 but well happy to qualify for the uk open finals which was the aim from the start. Roll on minehead 👊🏻
— Stuart Kellett (@StuKellett) February 12, 2017
World number 28 Joe Cullen halted his progress on Saturday following a 6-4 defeat, while it took Premier League star Kim Huybrechts to end his involvement on Sunday.
Kellett recorded wins against Kevin McDine (6-4), John Crossley (6-3), Ritchie Edhouse (6-1) – who had taken the scalp of world champion Michael van Gerwen the previous week – and Paul Rowley (6-4).
It left him 41st overall on the UK Open order of merit with £2,250.
The 2017 UK Open finals, broadcast live on television by ITV4, take place at The Butlins Resort Minehead over three days from March 3.
A total of 96 professionals will be joined by 32 amateur qualifiers that have come through knockouts staged across the UK.
Kellett, who will make his sixth successive appearance at the annual event, has provisionally been scheduled to take on van Duijvenbode on Board Two during the afternoon session - between midday and 5pm - on the opening day.
To see the draw in full, click here.
The Cheshire regular reached the last 16 of last year’s edition, a run that included a 9-5 defeat of Premier League ace Michael Smith.
He then bowed out by the same score to qualifier Barry Lynn, who had eliminated world champion Gary Anderson, to miss out on a main-stage duel with eventual winner van Gerwen.
Results
Coral UK Open
Qualifier Six
Sunday
First round: Stuart Kellett 6-1 Ritchie Edhouse.
Second round: Stuart Kellett 6-4 Paul Rowley.
Third round: Kim Huybrechts 6-1 Stuart Kellett.
Prize money £250
Qualifier Five
Saturday
First round: Stuart Kellett 6-4 Kevin McDine.
Second round: Stuart Kellett 6-3 John Crossley.
Third round: Joe Cullen 6-4 Stuart Kellett.
Prize money £250
Qualifier Four
Friday
Preliminary round: Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 Stuart Kellett.
Prize money £0
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