London dart prodigy Lucas Fraser competing in World U18 tournament

A 12-year-old dart prodigy from London is competing in a worldwide competition. CTV London's Brent Lale reports.

Lucas Fraser is set to take on the best 18-year-old dart players in the world.

What makes his appearance at the WDF World Masters Youth Darts Championship (WMYDC) is that the boy from London, Ont. is only 12 years old.

“It’s pretty challenging going into some of these events because there’s older players that are really good that I have to play,” said Lucas Fraser, ranked seventh in the U18 category in Canada.

He earned his invitation to the WMYDC in Las Vegas, which is July 14 to 19, after winning a U18 tournament in Everett, Ont.

“We often have to remind ourselves and the people around us he is only 12,” said Nikki Fraser, Lucas’ mom.

“He’s competing against, usually, kids that are 15, 16, and in this tournament, 18. It’s a good reminder that he’s 12, he has a lot of years still to come where we hope we can do this a few more times.”

In preparation for the main event, he’s been practicing nearly two hours per day.

“He wakes up, he goes right down to basement,” said Nikki.

“He practices after supper; he practices every day, like his free moments, and that’s all he does right now.”

He picked up the game four years ago after watching his father play.

“It was just my dad playing in the basement, and we came down and joined him,” said Lucas.

“He had the high board, and we had a low board that we’d play on.”

After getting hooked watching his dad, they joined the London Youth Dart League.

His mom credits darts with helping him at math and work ethic.

Lucas has won multiple provincial titles and warned a runner-up finish at nationals.

“I throw fast, and when I play other people, they usually pick up into my rhythm and it throws them off,” said Lucas of his success.

When competing in the WMYDC at the Rio Hotel and Casino, he’ll be going up against some elite young players from around the world.

“The youth from Europe, our hockey is like darts for them,” said Nikki.

“They’ve been playing since they were two. So even just to make it a few rounds – and I truly believe he’ll be able to make it a few rounds – we’re just proud that he got the invitation and we’re excited for him to see him on that level.”

Lucas believes he can compete and says he’s “really excited.”

“I hope to make it a few rounds in, but it’s going to be tough because there’s a lot of good players from a lot of different countries in the world,” he said.