North East darts champion Glen Durrant has tipped two local rising stars for success on the professional circuit.
The former PDC Premier League winner and three-time BDO World Champion, from Grangetown in Middlesbrough, backed Jamie Owens and Benjamin Smith for bright futures in darts.
Durrant retired in 2022 and now works as a Sky Sports pundit while coaching rising talent from his Middlesbrough office.
Glen Durrant (Image: Lawrence Lustig/PDC)
Speaking in an interview with Pure Digital PR, he said: "I do like Jamie Owens, who’s a lad that is probably the best player in the area right now.
"He’s a former Northern League footballer, so he’s full of confidence.
"But what he’s got is loads of bottle and his story’s a little bit like Gerwyn Price, who’s gone from one sport to another.
"Within a couple of years he’s picked it up brilliantly. It wouldn’t surprise me if he goes to Q School and gets through; I’m a huge fan of Jamie Owens."
Owens previously played football for Stockton Town, Billingham Town and Marske United, scoring more than 500 goals during his career and appearing at Wembley in an FA Vase final.
He made his debut in the Modus Super Series in 2024 and continues to compete in the tournament.
Durrant also singled out Billingham youngster Benjamin Smith, who impressed him at one of his coaching sessions.
Durrant said: "A young kid came in from Billingham by the name of Benjamin Smith.
"He was cocky, arrogant and tall; he would have been about 14 or 15 years old at the time.
"I’ve turned into a massive fan of him. I look out for his scores and his dad, Andy, sends me all his ADC results.
"I think he’s the best player to come from the area since I finished."
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Smith has risen steadily through the ranks and is now regarded as one of UK darts’ most promising young talents.
He recently won a Super16 qualifier, moving closer to a place in the Junior Darts Corporation’s top youth tournament.
With Durrant backing them, Owens and Smith are two Teesside names worth watching.