LAWRIE BACKS HIMSELF TO GO ALL THE WAY AT LAKESIDE

MITCHELL LAWRIE says he always had the “belief” he could win the WDF World Championship after blasting No2 seed Jason Brandon 3-0 at Lakeside.

Lawrie became the youngest ever player to win at the venue when he beat Japan’s Tomoya Maruyama in round one.

The 15-year-old averaged 97.21, chucked in five maximums and sealed the deal with an 117 checkout to dump out ‘Brandy’ in round two.

Lawrie didn’t hide from the suggestion he could go all the way on his debut at the tournament.

He said: “I’m absolutely buzzing with myself, to be honest. Obviously, the number two seed — he’s a very good, experienced player as well.

“He got to the semi-finals here last year, so I knew I was up against it from the start.

“I was just very fortunate. I probably played my A-game and played really well.

“I’ve always had belief. I had belief before I even walked in the building.

“You always have to believe in yourself — you’ll never go into a game or win a game if you don’t believe in yourself at all.

“So, I was just very confident. Always have to go up there confident, no matter who I play.”

Scottish sensation Lawrie tore through the first set without throwing a leg over 14 darts and even flirted with a nine-darter before drilling a superb 134 checkout.

He added: “Yes — I could have hit the nine! No, honestly, it was great. I think the crowd were with me from the start.

“As soon as I hit the 180, they were all on my side. So yes, it was great. The crowd were great as well.

“My start was very strong. I kind of fell asleep a little bit in the last set — not that I thought I’d won it, but then he started hitting scores and I woke up again, thankfully.”

When asked whether nerves kicked in as he threw for the match, Lawrie insisted they didn’t.

He continued: “Again, no — I just missed. I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know what happened. It was double two, I missed it.

“I think there was just one guy who was shouting “Come on, Jason!” the whole time I was trying to throw, but except for that the crowd were great.”

Lawrie returns to action on Thursday afternoon and will take on Jeff Springer in round three.

Image by Chris Sargeant/Tip Top Pics