Glyn defeats Scott Mitchell on his way to the last 32

THE England National Championships began last evening at the Bunn Leisure Centre, Selsey, and Glyn Wells gave a good account of himself by winning his way to the last 32 of the England National Men’s Singles from a starting field of 383, including a victory over the 2015 BDO World Champion and current England captain Scott Mitchell.

Wells had a tough opener against John Hall but despite being taken the full seven legs, edged the deciding leg to set up a meeting with the 5th seed, Scott Mitchell.

Mitchell’s pedigree needed no introduction but, on the night, Glyn was good value for his 4-2 victory.

Wells had to go the full distance again in his meeting with Bedfordshire’s Micky Reed but prevailed 4-3 to win his group and progress to the last 32.

He was denied a place in the last 16 when he was beaten 4-2 by Gloucestershire’s Lee Evans who plays on the PDC Tour, but a sterling performance none the less.

Keelan Kay began his assault on the men’s title with a 4-2 victory against Mark Carter before losing 4-2 to the No.4 seed Dave Parletti, the winner of the Welsh Classic and Romanian Open this year.

Maria O’Brien began her assault on the England National Ladies’ Singles title with a 4-0 victory over Lisa Kennedy before defeating the No.7 seed Laura Turner 4-1, who earlier in the year won the Isle of Man Open.

The Business Development Manager then had another tough draw against Linda Ithurralde but won in four straight legs before losing by the same margin in the board final against Corrine Hammond.

The Australian then lost 4-0 in the semi-finals to Rhian Griffiths who will contest the final on Sunday against 15-year-old Beau Greaves.

On Thursday, Beau became the youngest ever player to win the British Pentathlon.

Other results for Plymouth players were: Cat Callard lost to Mikuru Suzuki 4-2, Anna Johnson lost to Tracey Cunningham 4-2, Hayley Brant lost to Sue Gulliver 4-0. Scott Hutchinson lost to Vince Tipple 4-0, Daniel Sheikh lost to Dave Parletti 4-0, Danny Allen lost to Kevin Smith 4-3, Lee Hunter lost to Mark Strong 4-0.

The England Open Singles for both men and ladies will be contested today.