It’s Turkish delight for teen Chloe
Arrow ace is back home with a bronze
Rising Perthshire darts star Chloe O’Brien has been celebrating a bronze medal winning performance on the European stage.
The Rattray arrow ace was bang on target at the WDF Europe Cup Youth in Ankara, Turkey to proudly fly the flag for Scotland.
Chloe (15) advanced from the group stage of the competition before defeating Lerena Rietbergen of the Netherlands in the quarter-final.
The Blairgowrie High pupil’s impressive run was brought to an end by England’s Beau Greaves in the last four.
Beau won the first leg after Chloe missed three darts at a double to take the lead, but the match was soon locked at 1-1.
Beau’s additional experience showed as she went on to deservedly win 3-1 before progressing to win the girls’ Europe Cup title.
But Chloe was thrilled to be able to bring silverware back from the highprofile event.
“It was definitely unexpected because last year I didn’t even get out of the group stages,” Chloe said. “It was a big shock.
“I performed much better this year and I had put a lot more effort in. My mind was set to get as far as that.
“It was singles and doubles, with the bronze medal coming in the singles. I got beat by Beau Greaves from England.
“In the doubles, I didn’t get out of the group stages. It was a really hard group with Turkey, England, Denmark and Czech Republic.
“Last year was a very high level so I expected that.”
Chloe is currently ranked as Scotland’s number one girl for the under-18 age group and she is setting her sights high.
She said: “I try to get an hour of practice in a day. I’ve got a lot of people behind me who help me and give me games.
“I want to get on the pro stage at the Lakeside. That is one of my big goals.
“It’s going to take a lot of practice, for definite, and also a lot of thought put into it. But I’m determined to get to that stage.
“Competing in places like Turkey is Chloe was delighted to win bronze in Turkey
going to help with the standard that I am playing against.
“My pals don’t really know much about darts and don’t take too much of an interest.
“It’s an achievement for me knowing that I’m getting places and getting known around the world.”
Competitions and local league matches continue on home soil through the summer months for Chloe.
She plays out of the Athole Arms in Coupar Angus and has been heavily
involved with the Blairgowrie Youth Darts Academy.
“I’m in the summer league just now with the pub league and there are also the youth tours,” Chloe added.
“The next one is in Glenrothes and then it’s our one in Blairgowrie on August 26.
“I’ve been travelling through the youths but I’m now also in the international team for the adults.
“I’m trying to follow in their footsteps and get to where they are now.”