Gainsborough: Jacklin storms to title in Northern Ireland

Gainsborough darts star Paula Jacklin was on top form in front of the live Eurosport cameras as she won the Northern Ireland Open.
Gainsborough darts star paula Jacklin won the ladies title at the Northern Ireland Open, while Glenn Duraant took the men's eventGainsborough darts star paula Jacklin won the ladies title at the Northern Ireland Open, while Glenn Duraant took the men's event
Gainsborough darts star paula Jacklin won the ladies title at the Northern Ireland Open, while Glenn Duraant took the men's event

After beating American Marlise Keil 4-1 in the semi-finals, Jacklin faced Irish girl Kayleigh O’Neill in the final.

And after going 4-0 up, Jacklin let one leg slip before wrapping up a 5-1 win, and the title, in style with a 126 checkout, finishing the match with a bullseye.

“When you only need one more leg to become a champion in a major event the pressure to hit is enormous and my heart was nearly jumping out of my chest,” she said.

“It was all live on Eurosport with all my home town watching and I needed 126.”

“I thought, ‘take your time and try take it out in style’.”

“So I hit single 19, treble 19 and then smacked it right in the bullseye.”

“I was absolutely elated, the feeling was indescribable and I had done it.”

Jacklin also won the mixed triples with Micky Stocks and Jamie Hughes, but lost out in the pairs semi-final with partner Heather Lodge.

She now heads to Jersey this weekend for two ranking events and can also look forward to the World Championships and World Trophy in the coming months.