'Hopefully I have done enough now' - Sebastian Bialecki boosts Ally Pally dream after surprise maiden PDC title

Sebastian Bialecki secured his first PDC rankings title in Hildesheim on Tuesday by defeating Niels Zonneveld 8-6 in the deciding stage of Players Championship 22.

The 21-year-old Polish darter made history by overturning a 4-6 deficit to make his name alongside compatriots Krzysztof Ratajski and Radek Szaganski as the third Polish player ever to win a PDC ranking title.

Prior to this tournament, Bialecki had six consecutive first-round defeats on the Pro Tour, but he broke this negative run in style, taking the top prize of 15,000 pounds. Until Tuesday, Bialecki had never advanced beyond the last 16 of a Players Championship, but in Halle 39 he exceeded all expectations with an impressive performance.

The former UK Open quarterfinalist recovered handsomely from a 3-5 deficit against Lukas Wenig in the first round, before also leaving behind Adam Paxton, Luke Woodhouse and Cameron Menzies to reach the last eight. With 100+ averages, he left strong impressions, especially in his victories over Menzies and Gian van Veen. In the semifinals, he eliminated Danny Noppert 7-5, thanks in part to magic checkouts of 161 and 156.