ALEX Beatty has qualified to compete at the junior darts state championships.
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The 13-year-old was nominated to attend by her trainer Jenny Munro.
She then had to travel to Sydney with eight other girls between 11 and 18 years to trial across two weekends.
Only five were successful.
Beatty picked up a set of darts about six or seven years ago after watching her mum play on Thursday nights.
“I watched her play and it looked fun, so I started,” she said.
It’s the first time Beatty has trialled for state championships in her young career.
She trains with Munro who coaches junior and senior players at the services club.
“I train on Tuesdays with the other junior players, but I also train on Thursday with the adults.
“I feel confident playing with the adults. It really helps me improve and it’s inspiring me to keep going,” she said.
“State is going to be a very big event for me, but I am excited,” she said.
Her grandmother, Marie, said she believed residents should know about the tournament as Beatty is representing the town.
“I believe her mother Megan is thinking about holding a ball to raise money to help with some of the costs to get to state.
“I am just really excited for her. We have always gone and watched her play in championships for the junior clubs in other towns.
“Her other nan and myself are always so nervous watching her, and Alex just doesn’t panic; she is always calm and collected.
“We are just really proud.”
Megan said she too was excited and proud.
“I still play darts as well so I understand the pressure. She has been improving and going really well,” she said.
The event will be held at Murray Bridge in South Australia in January.
In the meantime, Beatty’s next event will be at the Tamworth games.