Joe Westby was victorious in the final of the
JDC Super 16 on Sunday in Milton Keynes as the 14-year-old darter beat Cayden Smith 5-2.
Westby is in good company as the overall winner, as he succeeds two-time winner
Luke Littler and Irish talent
Keane Barry as winners of the JDC Super 16, the final of which is played annually on stage during the Masters.
"It feels amazing. To have my name on the same trophy as Keane Barry and Luke Littler is phenomenal," reflected Westby post-match. "It's been really good experience for me. I didn't feel any nerves, I was focused on the job that I needed to do and I'm pleased with myself."
"I practice every night, I go to multiple leagues and play in different tournaments, locally and JDC, and I think I'm doing really well," Westby continued. "Every Academy across England has had a massive boost in people wanting to join up because of Luke Littler. It's amazing what he's done, so hopefully I can follow in his footsteps."
The JDC, where players under the age of 18 can play, will soon continue with the Advanced Tour which will include 32 players, with Westby, of course. The next JDC Super 16 will be expanded to include 64 players in the final stage, while the JDC Junior World Championship and European Open will also take place in 2024.