"He has a very nice throw and thinks well" - 13-year-old Lex Paeshuyse leaves big impression on Vincent van der Voort

Lex Paeshuyse lost 2-0 to the eventual world champion Archie Self in the semi-finals of the Boy's WDF World Championship last weekend. Despite the defeat, the 13-year-old Belgian prodigy made a strong impression at Lakeside.

Paeshuyse had won his quarterfinals with a 90+ average, but against Self, things went awry. "Now he is still in his cocoon for a while," mom Inez says to Het Nieuwsblad. "It's very momentary processing for Lex. But once it has been given a place, it will be okay again. He wasn't necessarily disappointed because he lost, rather that he didn't reach his best level that match."

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Afterwards, mom Inez also posted a long message on Facebook. "Dear baby, I know that for you only first place counts and then only when you have been able to show what you are capable of. But you can be phenomenally proud of your bronze medal. Third place in this field of competitors is not nothing. It's an experience and a memory they'll never take away from you. You are 13 years old, which means there are still a few more years to grow and who knows, one day stand back on that same podium: 'Don't be sad it was over, be happy because it happened'. ️We often hear that good guidance and being well surrounded by people who support him are the key to his success. You all contribute to that and are extremely grateful for that. Every message, Whatsapp, like, post on Facebook or whatever gives the positive energy to go for it again every day rock hard."

Paeshuyse all smiles after qualifying for the JDC final

JDC final

Paeshuyse also recently managed to qualify for the World Championship in the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), which takes place on Dec. 21 during the PDC World Darts Championship at the Ally Pally. "Lex, everyone knows what talent you have," said Nick Cambré, the man behind the Belgian team at the JDC team. "You have everything to become a very big darter. You played a great quarterfinal, maybe the best game of the whole youth tournament. Then Archie was just a little bit sharper on the doubles at the beginning which immediately forced you to chase, but you kept fighting and drove it to the limit. Taking this one on the chin and hop to the next one, and that next one is coming along at lightning speed on December 21 at 'Ally Pally'. There are many dreaming of playing the World Championship and you manage in three weeks to play them both!"

Leading up to his match at the Alexandra Palace, there won't be much change. "He will probably push his daily workouts a bit, but he also has a lot of catch-up work for school now. Which, of course, is also important," said mum Inez.

Vincent van der Voort also became impressed with Paeshuyse. "Yes, that guy can play a nice game of darts. He has a very nice throw and thinks well about the game. Punishment for a 13-year-old. I would have loved to bring him in to Winmau, but he's already at Mission (laughs)."

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