Pallett's pride at best ever showing

Up-and-coming Shropshire darter David Pallett has secured his best ever result on the world stage.

The 20-year-old from Newport enhanced his growing reputation in the sport by reaching the semi-finals of the Antwerp Open.

Sunday's tournament drew in a host of stars from the BDO circuit, including Telford's Ted Hankey, Darryl Fitton and Tony O'Shea.

But Pallett – who won £1,001 last year with victory in the Potteries Open in Stoke – left the more established names in his wake to reach the last four of a strong 500-field.

He won seven games to reach that stage, including claiming the scalp of 2001 world champion John 'Boy' Walton 4-3 in the last 16.

His dream was eventually ended by Dutch international Gino Vos in the semi-final, when he lost 2-0 after the format had switched from legs to sets.

Pallett, who is intending to travel the BDO circuit this year as he attempts to fulfil his ambitions of playing in the World Championships and for the England team, earned 500 Euros and vital world ranking points for his efforts in Belgium.

His next major assignment comes next month when he captains North of England Youth against Scotland, Ireland and South of England.

Pallett, who now plays for Cheshire, has recently chalked up 50 county appearances – 43 of which came for Shropshire.