A 14-year-old darts prodigy from Burnley has made history by becoming the youngest ever winner of a World Darts Federation event, breaking the record previously held by Luke Littler.
Kaya Baysal lifted the 2025 Budapest Classic Men's tournament at the weekend, despite having played the sport seriously for less than 18 months.
The WDF confirmed Baysal was 13 days younger than Littler was when he secured the 2021 Irish Open win.
Littler went on to become the youngest World Darts Champion in January at the age of 18, setting a benchmark that Baysal is now being tipped to follow.
Luke Littler narrowly missed the second nine-darter of the night after Gerwyn Price hit one earlierPABaysal beat the reigning Budapest Classic champion, 27-year-old Belgian Sybren Gijbels, 5-2 in the final.
This impressive victory came after he overcame former professional tour player Krzysztof Kciuk 4-1 in the semi-final.
The teenage sensation didn't stop there, also claiming two youth titles in Budapest - the Youth Open and the Youth Masters.
He reached the semi-finals in the pairs event alongside his friend and fellow Blackburn Darts Academy player Joseph Westby, 15.
The youngster is sponsored by Target Darts, which also backs some of the world's top players, including Littler himself.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Baysal has remained humble about making history.
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"It was a great experience. I played some good darts against some good players," he said.
The Burnley FC fan added: "I've lots more hard work to do."
Baysal's favourite player is Joe Cullen, and he's already back on the practice board following his triumph.
His rapid rise in the sport is particularly impressive given his limited experience.
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Kaya Baysal beat the reigning Budapest Classic champion, 27-year-old Belgian Sybren Gijbels
WDF
The teenager has been playing darts seriously for less than 18 months before claiming his place in the record books.
His calm demeanour and dedication suggest this could be just the beginning of a promising career.
Kaya's coach and manager Keith Brunt believes this is just the first of many big titles for the young player.
"He has a lot of work to do but who knows," said Mr Brunt. "He's calm and never fazed by who he is playing, has got his head screwed on, and has very supportive parents."
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BREAKING LITTLER'S RECORD!
— WDF Darts (@DartsWDF) April 14, 2025
Kaya Baysal became the youngest ever WDF Men's event winner on Saturday when he won the Budapest Classic.
Tune in for a slice of history 👇 pic.twitter.com/rePo5RdXG3
WDF secretary-general Nick Rolls said everyone was "blown away" by Kaya's performance.
"He's making rapid progress and his performances in Budapest proved that if you're good enough, you're old enough," Rolls added.
His parents Engin and Samantha Baysal said they were "so proud" of him.
Kaya's walk-on song, Foo Fighters' Times Like These, holds special significance as it was his late uncle's favourite song and is also a Turf Moor favourite.
