STUART Kellett banked £1,000 in prize money on Saturday before running into a Premier League star in the last 32 of a Players’ Championship tournament.

The Northwich thrower’s afternoon was ended by Dave Chisnall, who went on to reach the semi-finals, at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

However the 34-year-old had recorded wins against emerging Dutchman Jeffrey de Graaf (6-2) and 30th seed John Henderson (6-5) – a fourth successive victory against the Scot – to reach the third round.

He could not repeat the trick on Sunday, exiting after a deciding leg against Professional Darts Corporation newcomer Ray Campbell.

On Friday night, the Cheshire regular fell at the final hurdle during qualifiers for European tour events later this year.

Nathan Aspinall, a World Youth Championship runner-up, avenged a defeat against Kellett at this year’s UK Open when he won a preliminary for the Austrian Open.

Kellett recovered to beat 18th seed Andrew Gilding (6-3) when places at the European Open were up for grabs later the same evening, only to succumb to former MDA Promotions stablemate Wes Newton (3-6) at the next stage.

Results

Friday, May 20

Austrian Darts Open (UK qualifier)

Preliminary round: Stuart Kellett 6-3 Jason Marriott

First round: Nathan Aspinall 6-1 Stuart Kellett

European Darts Open (UK qualifier)

First round: Stuart Kellett 6-3 Andrew Gilding (18)

Second round: Wes Newton 6-3 Stuart Kellett

Saturday, May 21

Players’ Championship 8

First round: Stuart Kellett 6-2 Jeffrey de Graaf

Second round: Stuart Kellett 6-5 John Henderson (30)

Last 32: Dave Chisnall (3) 6-1 Stuart Kellett

Sunday, May 22

Players’ Championship 9

First round: Ray Campbell 6-5 Stuart Kellett