STUART Kellett has made it through to the Coral UK Open for a fourth successive year following an improved showing in the weekend’s qualifying competitions.
The Northwich thrower, who did not win a match in the first three preliminaries at Robin Park Tennis Centre earlier this month, secured a spot at next month’s televised finals after twice reaching the last 32 at the Wigan venue.
On Friday, he recorded victories against Kevin Voornhout (6-1), Terry Roach (6-4) and MDA Promotions stablemate Dean Winstanley (6-2) before succumbing world number 15 Terry Jenkins (1-6).
The 33-year-old matched that feat on Saturday, seeing off Pete Dyos (6-5), Winstanley again (6-5) and Matt Clark (6-5) in deciding legs before bowing out to surprise package Eddie Dootson (3-6).
Dootson, who secured a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tour card at qualifying school in January, stunned the field to reach the semi finals before losing to Adrian Lewis.
On Sunday Kellett, given a bye to the second round, fell to Colin Osborne (5-6).
He classifies 65th in the UK Open Order of Merit, following six qualifiers, after collecting £1,000 in prize money.
The finals, to be broadcast live by ITV Sport, take place at Butlins Resort Minehead for three days from Friday week, March 6.
Kellett’s best run in the tournament was two years ago, when he lost 9-3 to Dutchman Jelle Klaasen in the last 32.
Results
UK Open Qualifier Four
Robin Park Tennis Centre, Wigan, Friday – Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-1 Kevin Voornhout. Round Two: Stuart Kellett 6-4 Terry Roach. Round Three: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Dean Winstanley. Last 32: Terry Jenkins 6-1 Stuart Kellett.
UK Open Qualifier Five
Saturday, Round One: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Pete Dyos. Round Two: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Dean Winstanley. Round Three: Stuart Kellett 6-5 Matt Clark. Last 32: Eddie Dootson 6-3 Stuart Kellett.
UK Open Qualifier Six
Sunday, Round Two: Stuart Kellett 5-6 Colin Osborne.
Poor day today but I'v qualified for the UK open finals. Back to the practice board to make sure I'm on top form
— Stuart Kellett (@StuKellett) February 22, 2015
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