Coates makes stunning breakthrough with maiden PDC title triumph

HENRY COATES says his maiden PDC title is “just a stepping stone” after completing a stunning breakthrough victory.

The Derby youngster became the FIFTH player to win a ProTour crown without holding a Tour Card after defeating Damon Heta 8-4 in the Players Championship 25 final.

Coates, 20, held his nerve against a brilliant display from the Australian, who averaged 106.11, sealing glory with a superb 88 bullseye finish.

He produced a sensational run to the final, averaging 106.09 as he whitewashed former BDO World Champion Christian Kist 6-0 in the quarter-finals before seeing off Jeffrey de Zwaan 7-3 in the last four.

The triumph was even sweeter after Coates suffered heartbreak at Players Championship 20 when he missed three match darts at tops to reach the final before eventually losing to Ross Smith.

But Coates bounced back in style to prove he belongs on the biggest stage.

He said: “It probably won’t settle in till next week. I got close in the semis last time, but now I have got to the final and won.

“I played well all day. I think the last time I played Damo, it was my second ProTour, just after I won my first ProTour game.

“I think he taught me a lesson, beating me 6-0. But I thought now is the time to get one back.

“It gave me the confidence to know I have the game to be here. It’s just a stepping stone in the right direction.

“I have no clue what I’ll be into now. I have now won a ProTour, let’s see what comes next.

“Hopefully it is just the start. I’ve played so many years and now the work and practice is paying off.

“I am only a Challenge Tour player but I will take what I have got.”

Elsewhere, Michael van Gerwen was knocked out in the last 32 after a 6-4 defeat to Jeffrey de Graaf in a thrilling contest that saw both players average over 105.

Gian van Veen’s wait for his first title of the season continued as he suffered a 6-3 defeat to Jim Long in round two.

Top seed Wessel Nijman was the biggest casualty in the opening round, crashing out after a shock 6-3 loss to Daryl Pilgrim.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning