Darts prodigy 'The Shield' scoops first major trophy - and there's no stopping him!

ANTRIM darts prodigy Lee Shields has become the youngest player ever to win the NI Darts Organisation Masters Cup.

Known as ‘The Shield’, the Year 8 pupil at Parkhall Intrgrated College scooped his first NIDO major trophy with a win over close friend Leo Jamieson, beating his mate 4-3 in the final.

A spokesperson for MASA Darts Club, of which both boys are members, said: “Both lads had contested the youth gold cup final earlier in the day, with Leo coming out on top.

“Lee’s game has been nothing short of a revelation since deciding he wanted to be part of the MASA Dart Club.

“When his Mum said he wanted to play his darts with us back in the spring, we couldn’t get his card signed quickly enough.

“Hopefully we can play our part in helping him reach his goals.

“His Mum, Dad, Granny and Grandad usually attend his matches with him and he’s yet to miss a league match for us.

“Finding committed team players in darts isn't that easy these days, but to have Lee at 11, David at 14 and Christian at 15 is fantastic not only for our club, but their respective leagues.”

Lee was also congratulated by Top of the Town, where he is a familiar (and top winning) face at their Vault series.

Lee said: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to my beloved Grandad, who has always believed in me from the very beginning.

“His encouragement and trust mean the world to me, especially when he kindly gave me his place in our local dart league. I am truly thankful for his unwavering guidance and support, which have helped me so much on my journey.

“I would like to thank the rest of you fantastic people who have supported me on my darts journey and also my amazing sponsors - let’s keep practising to see how we go!

“Thanks to coach Danny and my manager William, but There are some incredible players out there, and with a bit more practice,

“I know I can stand even taller among them. Onwards and upwards!”

On Saturday, Lee was playing in Lisburn and has recently joined Ruthless Darts, with an academy and tournament coming up in Manchester.

Next week he is playing in Ballymore Inn Tandragee for the Northern Ireland Youth Club.

In November he playing in the Killarney Festival and as previously revealed in the Guardian, he is then heading to Gibraltar for the World Cup with JDC.

In February he is going to Scotland Renfrew to play in the Scottish Open.

He has recently joined the County Area 5 team and won his first game on with a 4/1 win and his average was 71.82.

He also recently returned to Massereene House, where he first started playing in the darts league.

Lee said: “I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their incredible support.

“Your kindness and encouragement and help towards my fundraiser for Gibraltar mean the world to me.

“To everyone who supported our fundraiser, whether individuals or companies, your kindness and generosity were truly inspiring. It was a wonderful day of darts, filled with talented players from across Northern Ireland—from Ballymena and Lisburn to East Belfast and beyond.

“The games were close and competitive, and your support made it all possible.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Take care, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.”