STUART Kellett has clinched a spot at the UK Open for a fifth successive year after an encouraging performance during the latest series of qualifiers.

The Northwich thrower will enter the televised stages of next month’s tournament in the second round as a reward for classifying inside the top 64 on the Order of Merit.

He arrived in Wigan on Friday afternoon under pressure after failing to win a match during three qualifiers earlier this month.

But the 34-year-old ended the weekend with £1,250 in prize money to make the final cut in relative comfort.

A run to the third round on Friday ended only after a deciding leg against Joe Cullen (5-6) following victories against John Bowles (6-5) and Eddie Dootson (6-4).

Saturday was better still, and it needed an in-form Simon Whitlock – an opponent Kellett had beaten in three of their previous four meetings – to oust him 6-2 in the last 32.

Before that, the Cheshire regular had seen off Mark Oosterhuis (6-2), Richard Hosey (6-2) and world number 23 Jamie Caven (6-4).

Kellett made it again to the last 64 on Sunday before succumbing 6-4 to eventual semi-finalist Ian White, currently ranked just outside the top 10.

Jay Foreman (6-5) and Craig Lewis (6-3) had both been despatched earlier in the day.

The UK Open finals, at Butlin’s Minehead Resort in Somerset, are held over three days from Friday, March 4.

A field of 128 players will do battle for the title, with ITV Sport broadcasting the action live.

The top 96 darters from the UK Open Order of Merit have progressed alongside 32 amateurs who have won knockouts hosted by Rileys Sports Bars.

The draw for the first and second rounds will be made tomorrow, Monday.