Paige Pauling 2024 WDF Girls' Lakeside World Champion

The 2024 Lakeside WDF Girls World Championship final was thrilling. Team Target Elite 1 stars Paige Pauling and Sophie McKinlay, the number 1 and 2 seeds, set to face off. Both players had shown immense form throughout the year, making the final a showcase of Dart's brightest young talents.

Paige Pauling, just 16 years old, came out of the gates at an electric pace, breaking Sophie’s throw in the opening leg with a clinical 16-darter. She held her throw to take a commanding lead in the first set. Although McKinlay got on the board in the third leg, Pauling sealed the set with a 19-dart finish.

In the second set, 18-year-old Sophie McKinlay struck back, pinning an 80 checkout to break Paige’s throw in the first leg. It looked like McKinlay was ready to mount a comeback, but Pauling had other plans.

The young star responded immediately, breaking back with clinical precision before holding her throw. She then sealed the victory in style, taking out 80 in just two darts to claim the match 2-0.

This win marked Paige Pauling’s 17th WDF Youth Title of the year, a remarkable achievement underlining her dominance in the youth circuit. Her performance at Lakeside showed her consistency and talent.

For Sophie McKinlay, reaching the final was a significant milestone, but her impressive run didn’t end there. Later that evening, she was in another final, competing in the Women’s final, showcasing her talent and composure at just 18.

Both players can reflect on a stellar year and take pride in their performances. With their immense talent and determination, Paige Pauling and Sophie McKinlay are poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of darts.

We can look forward to more thrilling battles between these two rising stars as they continue to make their mark on the sport.

Congratulations to Paige Pauling on her historic victory, and to Sophie McKinlay for an outstanding tournament.