Frimley Green witnessed an exciting afternoon at the Lakeside 2025 event, featuring a captivating clash of talents from different generations. The finals showcased remarkable performances from 15-year-old Mitchell Lawrie and 66-year-old Deta Hedman, illustrating the sport’s dynamic evolution. Their matches not only highlighted their skill but also united the past, present, and future of darts.
Lakeside 2025: Deta’s Legacy and Hunt for the Crown
Deta Hedman, renowned as the Caribbean Queen, continues her pursuit of a world title. At 66 years old, she remains a dominant force with 30 years of experience in darts. Despite her success, one accolade eludes her, and she aims to achieve it at this year’s tournament.
In her semi-final against Priscilla Steenbergen, Hedman delivered an impressive performance, achieving the tournament’s first 80+ women’s average. Facing fierce competition from Steenbergen, she skillfully navigated through high-pressure moments, securing her place in the final. The anticipation mounts as she stands just one match away from fulfilling her long-standing dream.
Mitchell Lawrie: A Rising Star
On the youth front, Mitchell Lawrie emerged as a sensation, showcasing talent beyond his years. In his semi-final, he faced Coventry’s Jenson Walker in a thrilling matchup. After initially losing the first set, Lawrie regrouped and dominated, ultimately winning the match 5–2.
Lawrie’s energetic play, marked by five consecutive legs, captivated the audience and solidified his spot in the finals. He will encounter either top seed Jimmy van Schie or Belgian competitor Sybren Gijbels in a highly anticipated battle for the championship.
Youth Event Highlights: Florian Preis Shines
- Germany’s Florian Preis triumphed over Mason Teese with a 3-2 victory in the Youth semi-final.
- Preis’s impressive average in the mid-80s reflects his high-level play.
- If Lawrie secures a win against his adversary Kaya Baysal, he could potentially claim both the Open and Youth titles.
Rebecca Allen’s Breakthrough
The Girls tournament witnessed an early upset, as Rebecca Allen defeated second seed Ruby Grey in straight sets. Allen’s authoritative play reshaped the competition’s dynamics, leaving her a contender for the championship. With four finals confirmed, the anticipation builds for the concluding rounds at Lakeside.
By Saturday night, the complete lineup for championship Sunday will be revealed. Given the excitement from the day’s matches, fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the coming sessions.
| Saturday Afternoon Session Results | Match Result |
|---|---|
| Open Youth SF | Florian Preis 3-2 Mason Teese |
| Women SF | Priscilla Steenbergen 1-3 Deta Hedman |
| Girls SF | Ruby Grey 0-2 Rebecca Allen |
| Open SF | Mitchell Lawrie 5-2 Jenson Walker |
