Newport's David Pallett on the rise in the PDC
Newport's David Pallett is strengthening his case for a place at the PDC World Championship after jumping up another six places.
The 24-year-old thrower has risen to 55th in the Order of Merit after banking £2,000 at the weekend, beating two former world champions along the way.
Two separate four-figure hauls gave him £5,400 worth of breathing space in his quest to go to London's Alexandra Palace in December, with five ranking events left this year.
Pallett's fourth round runs on both Saturday and Sunday in Player Championship tournaments helped warm up the City West Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, for the week's televised World Grand Prix.
His challenge began with a 6-4 win over Dutchman Benito van de Pas, before his first scalp came by defeating PDC World Championship finalist Peter Wright in the last leg 6-5.
A resounding 6-2 scoreline over 'the Pie Man' Andy Smith set up a clash with Dean Winstanley, who went through to the quarter-finals 6-4.
Justin Pipe secured his first ranking title in over two years by the time the day was out, beating reigning world champion Michael van Gerwen in a battling 6-5 decider.
The players returned to the venue for Sunday's second tournament where he got to the same stage, against arguably even tougher opposition.
Pallett opened with an impressive 6-3 win over Christian Kist, the 2012 BDO world champion, before recording the same verdict over 1995 BDO boss Steve Beaton.
A revenge mission was completed with a 6-4 success over Winstanley but he came a cropper to home hero Brendan Dolan 6-4, the Northern Irishman going on to beat Gary Anderson 6-2 in the final.
