Ash Khayat stuns the BDO International Open
Wolverhampton's Ash Khayat proved a surprise package as the reached the last eight of the BDO's International Open at the weekend.
The 22-year-old took the scalp of three-time world champion Martin Adams on the way, too, at Brean Sands Holiday Park in Somerset.
Eventually he bowed out to formidable Welshman Martin Phillips, who was firing on all cylinders during the course of his 4-1 victory.
The Black Country thrower had engaged in two exciting slug-fests which each went to the last leg, starting with a 4-3 win over Adams.
Jim Williams went the same way in the last 16 which saw Khayat claim board eight after a total of five wins, opening against Paul Higgins.
He then recorded wins over Danny Allen and Robert Hughes by scorelines of 4-1 and 4-2 respectively, later going out to finalist Phillips.
He also reached the semi-finals of the mixed pairs event, going out with partner Katie Mitchell to Sam Hewson and Paula Jacklin 3-2.
Wednesbury's Matthew Dicken got to the last 32 with Sue Gulliver, before bowing out to Steve Alker and Julie Gore 3-1. He went out in the last 128 of the men's singles.
Tipton's Jamie Hughes was eliminated at the last 32 stage, as he was pipped to the post in the last leg to go down 4-3 to Nigel Lamb.
He received a bye past the first round and then recorded 4-0 whitewashes in succession, shutting out Ashley Lanaghan and Simon Garley.
