A Melton South teen was “overcome with emotion” when he was named as a member of the national darts youth team, set to compete in the darts world cup in September.
Announced during a competition in Murray Bridge late last month, 17-year-old Andrew Nielsen was named as one of four players in the World Darts Federation (WDF) Australian Darts World Cup youth team, set to compete in Seoul during the WDF World Cup in late September.
The mixed team consists of two boys and two girls, aged 16–17, selected from a squad of six boys and six girls after a state competition in January.
Andrew, who is currently the number one ranking WDF youth player in Australia and 15th in the world, said he was ecstatic when he was selected.
“I’m not going to lie, I was overcome with emotion … I was so thankful and relieved that Darts Australia selectors chose me for the team,” Andrew said.
“Like everyone else in the squad, we had all been working hard to be picked for those [coveted] two youth spots – and the other five youth boys are great kids and incredible players.”
Starting darts at age 12, Andrew plays three nights a week and over weekends when there are tournaments.
“I travel all over Australia playing in tournaments, having recently … travelled to Murray Bridge where the team was announced,” he said.
“I have some great people around me who help me and give me tips and advice on how to improve my game and I wouldn’t have come this far without their guidance.”
Andrew said in the darts community, “everyone treats you like family,” with players travelling together and staying at each others’ houses for competitions.
