SWINDON youngster Chris Aubrey was pleased with his weekend’s work after a hectic two days in Crawley – but it could have been a whole lot better.

Aubrey was competing in both the senior and youth tour events at the K2 Centre, meaning he was playing for up to eight hours on each of the two days.

His best display came in Saturday’s Youth Tour event where he stormed to the final before losing out to Order of Merit winner Aaron Monk, a performance which secured fifth place in the standings for Aubrey and is set to earn him a tour card for the next three years.

But it could have got even better last night in the second Youth Tour event, which if he had won it, would have earned him an unlikely place in the World Darts Championship next month.

With number one Monk and second and third placed Michael Smith and James Hubbard having already secured their spots at Alexandra Palace through the main tour, the reward for winning the Youth Tour Order of Merit would have fallen down to Aubrey if he had finished fourth.

But a 4-3 defeat to Matthew Dennant in the second round yesterday saw Aubrey miss out, and left him having to be content with a fifth place finish and his tour card.

“On Saturday I think I did the right thing and concentrated on the Youth Tour, which was the right thing to do because I got to the final,” he said.

“Aaron beat me in the final and he was a class above, but that is the way it is.

“I have sealed fifth place and hopefully a tour card too, so I am pleased with the way it went.

“If I had won yesterday I would have been in the World Championship because it would have been passed down, and I would have been level with Jamie Lewis for fourth.

“I have won more money in the last few tournaments and I would have got it on count-back, but it is what it is.

“I knew what I had to do to secure my tour card, and I am glad I did it which was the main thing.” Aubrey’s brother Jack Tweddell and fellow Swindon player Josh McCarthy both took part in the Youth Tour events, but despite putting in some good performances, failed to make major progress in either event.

Johnny Haines and Dennis Smith were also in action in Crawley as they looked to book their places at Alexandra Palace.

Both managed to add to their prize money on day one before Smith lost to Steve Hine in the second round, while Haines lost 6-1 to Dave Chisnall at the same stage.

On day two, Smith lost 6-4 to Mark Walsh in round one, while Haines beat Joe Cullen 6-5 before losing 6-4 to Brian Woods in round two.

Aubrey also made the second round of the main tour event yesterday, but lost out to Youth Tour rival Michael Smith.