James Hubbard – 2012 PDC World Youth Champion

James Hubbard was crowned the 2012 PDC World Youth Champion with a top-draw performance beating Martin van Gerwen 6-3 at the O2 Arena in London.

Van Gerwen had previous experience in reaching a major final and was hoping to set the record straight after the previous years loss to Arron Monk in 2011.

Hubbard started the match in impressive form, showing no nerves in front of a 10,000 strong crowd who were in fine voice. The very first leg set the theme for the match with an 11-darter from Hubbard to take a 1-0 lead.

Hubbard then broke van Gerwen’s throw after the Dutchman had missed double tops, replying with a double eight to go two – nil up.

The third match continued in similar fashion with Hubbard finishing from 81 with treble 15 and double 18 to move a clear three legs ahead.

The inevitable fight back from the Dutchman arrived finishing 76 in two darts to win his first leg of the game.

Hubbard responded to losing his first leg of the match by showing his composure under pressure to finish on Double 10 to go 4-1 up.

The promising prospect from Norfolk started to show some nerves for the first time in the match after missing double 19, double 8 and three attempts at double 4, to allow van Gerwen to win his second leg of the match finishing on Double 16.

The Dutchman could now sense that he was definitely back in with a chance of a win and continued his good form to finish 102 with a combination with single 20, bull and double 16, now the game was a close 4-3.

Hubbard then regained his coolness and managed to get a fifth leg giving him some breathing space to go 5-3 up.

James Hubbard showed his class to finish on double tops to win the match and take the title of World Youth Champion.

Here’s what James had to say after the match:

"It feels amazing! When you start playing darts, this is what you dream of, and to play in front of 10,000 people is a dream come true for me, and to come out as World Champion is amazing.

"I was nervous before the game but Simon Whitlock was brilliant and gave me lots of advice, and the start I made on stage was terrific and settled me down.

"I didn^t think I^d win it to be honest because Michael^s so experienced and such a brilliant player. You always believe in yourself, but when I hit that double top it was the most amazing feeling of my life."

Congratulations from everyone at Red Dragon to James Hubbard – the new 2012 PDC World Youth Champion