Some of this eroded advantage will inevitably be recouped when the Power’s victory in the recent Players Championship Finals is factored into next month’s UWDR, but his dismal performance in the Premier League (which does not reward UWDR points) confirms that all is not well with the game’s greatest ever player, and Taylor might be facing a very uncomfortable 2011, with, potentially, his no.1 ranking in jeopardy!

Meanwhile, Martin Adams, the oldest flinger in town, retains the no.2 slot following his third BDO World Championship triumph at the grand old age of 54.  Remarkably, Adams is almost a year older than Eric Bristow, who captured his first world title in 1980 when Adams was, essentially, a pub league player.

Thereafter, slowly, but surely, Adams climbed the professional ladder, but when Jelle Klaasen, nearly thirty years his junior, won the 2006 BDO World Championship it seemed as though a new generation of darts players had arrived, sweeping the likes of Adams aside.  Wolfie finally achieved his ambition 12 months later, however, and, like Marco Materazzi, the persistent Adams is an inspiration to any sportsman, or sportswoman, who might not enjoy much success early in their career.

Adrian Lewis and Gary Anderson, two other players who seemed to wait an eternity in the wings, are now ranked 3 and 4 respectively, enjoying a climb of 7 and 3 places in turn, following their spectacular performances in the PDC World Championship.  The scoring power of these two men now, almost certainly, poses the biggest threat to Taylor’s supremacy.

Positions 5-9 are filled out by a quintet of ‘usual suspects’ – James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld, Simon Whitlock, Terry Jenkins and Scott Waites – whilst the top 10 is rounded off by a man who could barely have imagined being in such exalted company 12 months ago.  At this point Dean Winstanley was merely a BDO journeyman, barely inside the UWDR top 150.  Remarkably consistent floor results throughout 2010, however, culminating in a spectacular run to the final on the Lakeside stage have elevated Over the Top close to the top.

But, realistically, how much further can he go?  As the UWDR awards bonus points for very high averages Winstanley will have to up his scoring power significantly, in addition to producing top performances in the BDO World Championship and World Masters and the Grand Slam of Darts, if he is going to overtake any more of the game’s elite.

Two Welshman, and world semi-finalists both, Martin Phillips and Mark Webster, are now nos. 14 and 15 respectively.  Whilst Phillips, who climbs 4 places this month, may be one place ahead of his compatriot for the time being, Webster, who is up 14 spots, is the coming man.  The 2008 BDO World Champion defeated Taylor en route to a second successive PDC World Championship semi-final, earning a Premier League wildcard, and his averages are now up with the very best.  It would be some surprise if Webby was not in the UWDR top 10 by the year’s end.

Conversely, Tony O’Shea, no.2 as recently as September, is now down to no.20!  The UWDR places a huge emphasis on recent form, to identify the hottest players in darts, and Silverback’s desperately disappointing performances in the BDO World Masters, and especially in the World Championship, have taken their toll.

Vincent van der Voort, the Fastest Player in the World, accelerates from no.32 to no.23 after reaching the last 8 of the PDC World Championship.

Anderson’s former partner in crime Gary Robson is up 15 places to no.37 following yet another quarter-final defeat at the Lakeside, whilst another beaten quarter-finalist, Ross Smith, is up 7 places to no.54.

Stephen Bunting picks up valuable UWDR bonus points after some impressive scoring in the first two rounds of the BDO World Championship, before running out of steam against Winstanley.  The Bullet fires into the top 50 at no.50, up 9 places.

Perhaps the most romantic story in either of this year’s world championships was the journey of 20 year-old Dutch qualifier Jan Dekker to the Lakeside semi-finals, a performance which guarantees him at least two trips to the Wolverhampton Civic Hall, to contest the Grand Slam of Darts.  In the meantime, the business and economics student enjoys a profitable market fluctuation, as his UWDR ranking soars from no.103 to no.51!  Garry Thompson, who missed nine doubles to defeat Dekker in the quarter-finals, can at least console himself that his ranking is up to no.44, from no.51.

The colourful Peter Wright climbs to no.60, up 28 places, following his run to the last 16 of the PDC World Championship, whilst Mark Hylton, who reached the same stage of the tournament, is up from no.138 to no.83.  Both Snake Bite and Mile High demonstrated some useful scoring at the ‘Ally Pally’, and it seems more than likely that these two players will continue to head northwards over the course of 2011.

Also reaching the last 16 of this tournament, defeating James Wade in the process, the Serbian-born Austrian Mensur Suljovic reaches no.101 in the UWDR, up 83 places.

In contrast, Wayne Mardle, a Premier League player just two years ago, continues his miserable decline, down (albeit just 1 place) to no.113 this month.  Mardle’s downturn emphasizes not only the fluidity of the UWDR, but the fickle nature of darts, and the fine margins of form and confidence.  As in football, no-one is ‘too big to go down’ in this game.  Mardle did reach a Pro Tour semi-final last November (losing only 6-5 to Mark Walsh), to provide a ray of hope, however.  Needless to say, darts would benefit enormously if Hawaii 501 could rediscover his game.

Stay tuned to DartsMad for the only accurate assessment of both PDC and BDO players: the Unified World Darts Ranking.

DartsMad Gareth

It’s a Sly Wolf final. Dean Winstanley, who’s favourite film is Stallone’s arm wrestling classic Over The Top takes on Wolfie Martin Adams on Sunday afternoon. Winstanley is looking to become world champion on his Lakeside debut to crown a meteoric rise. Defending champion Adams is aiming to join an elite club of world title hat-trick winners.

The Over The Top analogy for Winstanley is most fitting as he is most comfortable around the 20 segment; yesterday it proved the difference as he checked out double top time and time again in beating Jan Dekker 6-2. Adams is comfortable all round the clock but had a more difficult time against Martin Phillips who bowed out in the semi finals for the second successive year.

The final will get under way around 17:45 and if Winstanley can find the range on the 20′s it could carry him to dreamland. Otherwise Wolfie’s solid game will see him rewrite the record books once again.

Trina Gulliver chalked up her ninth world championship in 11 years toppling Welsh international Rhian Edwards 2-0 in 23 minutes.

In a repeat of last year’s final Gulliver from Somerset justified her top seeding but was made hard to work for the victory by the impressive Welsh player. Remarkably Gulliver, the giant of women’s darts has appeared in every final since the women’s competition was launched in 2001.

The first men’s semi final sees the two Martins clash at 14:30 on Saturday. Top seed Adams take on Welsh binman Phillips with veteran Adams going for a record equalling third title in his 18th championship. Left hander Phillips is in the semis for the second year running and his form over the last few months could take him to the final and the title.

After which surprise package Jan Dekker will play third seed Dean Winstanley who is looking good for the title himself on his Lakeside debut. Winstanley blew Stephen Bunting away last time out as Dekker was squeezing past Garry Thompson in a tie breaker.

Order of play is as follows, results will be updated as they occur:-

Saturday 1st January
Dave Prins (16) (England) 1-3 John Walton (England)
Martin Adams (1) (England) 3-1 Tony West (England)
Willy van de Wiel (9) (Netherlands) 3-1 Alan Soutar (Scotland)
Gary Robson (13) (England) 3-0 Steve Douglas (England) * moved from Sunday
Mark Barilli (12) (Scotland) 0-3 Martin Phillips (Wales)
Ross Montgomery (7) (Scotland) 1-3 Alan Norris (England) * moved from Sunday

Sunday 2nd January
Tony O’Shea (8) (England) 1-3 Ross Smith (England) * moved from Saturday
Steve West (4) (England) 2-3 Dave Chisnall (England)
Scott Mitchell (15) (England) 0-3 Jan Dekker (Netherlands)
Stuart Kellett (2) (England) 3-0 Darryl Fitton (England)
Garry Thompson (10) (England) 3-1 Arno Merk (Germany)
Joey ten Berge (5) (Netherlands) 3-0 Shaun Griffiths (England) * moved from Saturday

Monday 3rd January
Brian Woods (11) (England) 0-3 Stephen Bunting (England)
Scott Waites (6) (England) 3-0 Ted Hankey (England)
Robbie Green (14) (England) 3-0 Andy Boulton (Scotland)
Dean Winstanley (3) (England) 3-2 Martin Atkins (England)

Last 16
John Walton 4-5 Martin Adams
Willy van de Wiel 1-4 Ross Smith
Martin Phillips 4-3 Joey ten Berge
Gary Robson 4-1 Dave Chisnall
Jan Dekker 4-1 Stuart Kellett
Garry Thompson 4-2 Alan Norris
Stephen Bunting 4-2 Scott Waites
Robbie Green 1-4 Dean Winstanley

Quarter Finals
Martin Adams 5-1 Ross Smith
Martin Phillips 5-4 Gary Robson
Jan Dekker 5-4 Garry Thompson
Stephen Bunting 1-5 Dean Winstanley

Semi Finals
Martin Adams 6-4 Martin Phillips
Jan Dekker 2-6  Dean Winstanley

Final
Martin Adams 7-5 Dean Winstanley

Women’s Draw:

Saturday 1st January
Irina Armstrong (4) (Russia) 2-0 Lorraine Farlam (England)
Trina Gulliver (1) (England) 2-0 Wendy Reinstadtler (England)

Sunday 2nd January
Julie Gore (3) (Wales) 1-2 Rhian Edwards (Wales)
Deta Hedman (2) England 2-1 Patricia De Peuter (Belgium)

Semi Finals
Irina Armstrong 0-2 Trina Gulliver
Rhian Edwards 2-0 Deta Hedman

Final
Trina Gulliver 2-0 Rhian Edwards

TV Schedule

Saturday 1 January

Live: 1300-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1800-1925, BBC2
Highlights: 0105-0355, BBC2

Sunday 2 January
Live: 1300-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1300-1645, BBC2
Live: 1730-1850, BBC2
Highlights: 0030-0320, BBC2

Monday 3 January
Highlights: 1300-1630, BBC2
Live: 1800-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1900-2000, BBC2
Highlights: 0000-0250, BBC2

Tuesday 4 January
Highlights: 1230-1500, BBC2
Live: 1730-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1900-2000, BBC2
Highlights: 2320-0210, BBC2

Wednesday 5 January
Highlights: 1230-1500, BBC2
Live: 1730-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1900-2000, BBC2
Highlights: 2320-0210, BBC2

Thursday 6 January
Highlights: 1230-1500, BBC2
Live: 1730-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1900-2000, BBC2
Highlights: 2320-0210, BBC2

Friday 7 January
Highlights: 1230-1500, BBC2
Live: 1730-2300, BBC Red Button
Live: 1900-2000, BBC2
Highlights: 2305-0155, BBC2

Saturday 8 January
Live: 1430-1630, BBC1
Live: 1630-1830, BBC2
Live: 1730-2300, BBC Red Button

Sunday 9 January
Live: 1745-2000, BBC2

The draw for the first round has been made and can be seen here.

The British Darts Organisation is delighted to announce that the following players have qualified for invitation to compete in the 2011 BDO Lakeside World Professional Darts Championships, which will be televised by BBC Sport for nine consecutive days from Saturday, January 1st to Sunday, January 9th, 2011.

BDO Men’s Play-Offs | International Men’s Play-Offs | Women’s Play-Offs

Entry Lists
The International play-offs for the 2011 Lakeside World Professional Championships will take place in Hull on Thursday 28th October. The entry lists are available on the links below.

Women | Men (UK) | Men (Overseas)

Ladies Play-offs
The venue for the BDO Women’s Lakeside World Professional International Play-Offs on Thursday, October 28th and the Winmau Women’s World Masters on Friday, October 29th will be the Royal Suite of the Royal Hotel, Hull, HU1 3UF situated within walking distance of Hull City Hall and adjoining Hull Railway Station.

“I am delighted to say that we have record entries for both the International Play-Offs and the Winmau World Masters this year, so there has been a need to separate the women from the men in Hull City Hall”, explains Olly Croft, Managing Director of BDO Enterprises Ltd.

“Rather than trying to squeeze everyone into the same venue, we are accommodating our lady players in the Royal Hotel, and I am certain that they will be very comfortable and happy with the arrangements which the BDO have made especially for them”. 

Needless to say, the playing conditions in the Royal Suite will be first-class, with bar and refreshment facilities, luxurious toilets and relaxation areas available to the BDO’s women players on both days.

PLEASE NOTE: PLAYERS TO REGISTER FROM 9AM ON BOTH DAYS.

Both players were left exhausted after the match went to the full 13 sets but it was 40-year-old Hankey who collected his second world title, overcoming a stage jinx against the 47-year-old grandad.

The Count had previously lost all stage matches � apart from one � against the Cheshire sharpshooter over the past two decades but on this occasion he let his walk-on music �Be On Your Way� deliver the message to Silverback.

It was an absorbing final, which threatened to fizzle out after Hankey appeared to grasp it by the neck and move ominously into a 3-1 lead but then re-ignited as determined O�Shea continually defied the odds to keep battling back.

Hankey recorded 15 180s in the match � taking his tournament tally to 42 � just a handful short of his record set in 2000, while O�Shea notched 30 during the week and nine in the final.

Despite missing for a 116 checkout finished on double 20, Hankey held his composure to take the first leg of the match against the throw on double five but failed to stamp his authority as O�Shea levelled. The next two went with the throw, O�Shea firing home on double 16 after Hankey was disturbed by a shout from the crowd.

Hankey then missed three doubles, the Cheshire player annexing the opening set of the second set against the throw as he attempted to impose his authority on the game but he missed double 16, as The Count took double two. He fired in double 10 and then clinched the set 3-1 to level the match on double 12 after O�Shea missed double 16 for a 64 finish.

The Count fired in his first 180 of the match as he opened up a 2-0 third set lead but he didn�t look happy, sweating profusely and constantly talking to himself and grimacing, as O�Shea pulled back a leg, the Telford player missing double tops and then hitting double 10 for a 2-1 match lead.

Hankey then complained to referee Barry Gilbey about stage-side photographers. Earlier he had complained about fans shouting out when he was throwing for doubles.

The Count annexed the opening leg of the fourth set, and then after Silverback drove home a maximum but missed doubles Hankey swooped for a superb 111 finish completed witdouble tops, scooping the set unchallenged.

In a complete transformation with a couple of sets lead The Count�s style appeared silky smooth as he buried two 180s to take a 2-1 lead but missed a crucial four doubles with his throw for the set, O�Shea holding his throw in the fifth leg on double 20 to pull the match back to 3-2.

Hankey – the seventh seed – exited on 98 to take a 2-1 lead in the sixth and hit a 70 checkout completed on double 20 with his second dart for a 4-2 interval lead following an hour�s play.

Refreshed from the break, O�Shea hit his seventh 180 to edge 2-1 ahead, Hankey missing bull for a 164 set-equalling checkout and then punished for two further missed doubles as Silverback hit double 16 to again reduce Hankey�s match lead to a solitary set.

The Stockport steamroller rumbled on O�Shea hitting his fourth successive double 16 to take the opening leg of the next set against the throw, the seventh seed immediately levelling, taking the third with the throw and clinching the set on double nine after O�Shea missed a set saving double tops.

Twice Hankey trailed in the ninth set, levelling only to see battling O�Shea crash home a 14-darter finished on 54 to once again reduce The Count�s match lead to one set but a 3-0 success in the next restored Hankey�s two set leading margin.

The opening legs of the 11th were shared, Hankey clinching the third leg against the throw but then missing an opportunity to clinch the title on 62, as O�Shea after missing double tops, swept in double 10 to keep his title hopes alive, hitting double eight to take the match to 6-5 as chants of �Tony, Tony, Tony� echoed around the packed arena.

Both players smashed home 180s in the first leg of the next, O�Shea missing five crucial doubles to let in Hankey with a 76 checkout, finished on double 20 to move into a 2-0 set lead. Hankey then missed double tops for a match-winning 120 flourish, double 13 proving lucky as he exited on 81 to keep his interest alive. He added the fourth leg to take the set to 2-2.

Hankey blazed in a brace of 180s but missed double 20s and then a further three doubles for the title as cool O�Shea defied the pressure to hammer home double six to level the match.

The opening two legs went against the throw, Hankey blasting in his 15th 180 and then holding his nerve to clinch the title and �95,000 crown with double 10.

The jubilant champ confessed: � When we got to 6-6 I thought I ain�t ever going to win it.

�Tony played so well, constantly putting pressure on me. I would hit a 180 to leave a shot and he would follow up hitting a maximum and come right behind me.

�When I won my first title it was great because I always want to win the Embassy world championship but this win is special. To win this second title means more to me for personal reasons. My home life is now more settled and everyone was here to see me win.

But I really thought I had blown my chance tonight,� admitted the new double champ.

Runner up Tony O�Shea added: �I was always there to nick doubles he missed. I would take a big breath and become a big bag of nerves! I enjoyed the game but I was a little tired towards the end…�

Gulliver 25.06 | Hoenselaar 25.80

It was case of six time lucky for Dutch woman Francis Hoenselaar as she won her first world title, denying Trina Gulliver her eighth title.

It was sweet revenge for the 43-year-old second seed from Rotterdam who had previously finished runner up to the remarkable Gulliver on five occasions.

It is only the second match the Somerset-based Gulliver has lost on the Lakeside stage.

Gulliver missed double tops to steal the throwing advantage in the opening leg, Hoenselaar coolly hitting double eight. However the Dutch player missed the opportunity to steal the advantage in the next as the former winner blasted in double 20, the third going with the darts as Hoenselaar hit double 10 � her third dart for a double.

Gulliver fired out a 16-dart finish on double 18 to level, Hoenselaar sweeping back to hit 180 and race down to the double, clinching the set with a two dart 66 finish on double 18.

The seven times champ turned the screw hitting 125 and 100 to annex the opening leg with the throw in the second set on double tops. The Golden Girl hit 123 and 140 scores to move 2-0 ahead after hitting a 60 out shot finished with her favourite double tops. Gulliver clinched the set on double tops but only after the Dutch player missed the same double twice.

The Dutch Crown won the race to the double to take the opening leg of the third set with the throwing advantage with her third dart for double 20.

She hit two 140s in the next but missed three doubles, Gulliver then missing three attempts to finish, as Hoenselaar finally hit double four with her fifth effort for a double.

A further two 140s steered the Dutch player to double and she fired home emphatically on double 12 to bring the 30 minute clash to a close.

Hankey 31.96 | Adams 31.51

As a full moon rose over the frozen Lakeside complex, prince of dartness Ted �The Count� Hankey buried �Wolfie� Martin Adams 6-4 in a pulsating 106-minute encounter.

The 2000 winner produced his best match of the week, blasting out 14 180s and equalling the tournament�s top checkout of 161 � ironically hit by Adams at the beginning of the semi final showdown.

Both players notched 31 plus dart averages and there were 12 and 13 dart checkouts plus 200 plus scores of a ton and over.

The opening sets went with the throwing advantage, Hankey swooping to take the third against the throw 3-1, despite a maximum from Wolfie.

Twice The Count led in the fourth but battling Adams levelled and then took the crucial fifth leg.

It was Hankey who seized the initiative to open up a 3-2 interval lead, charging back from losing the opening leg to take the set 3-1 on double seven after missing double 14.

Despite two maximums from The Count, Wolfie leapt in to take the sixth set with a 180 and double 12 with his second throw. Hankey blazed into the seventh set, equalling the tournament�s highest checkout set by Adams in the second leg of the game � 161 � against the throwing advantage.

Adams returned the compliment in the next leg and then held his throw, Hankey levelling and then firing in a superb pressure 116 checkout finished on double tops against the set advantage for a slender 4-3 match lead.

Hankey opened up a 2-0 lead in the next but had an agonising three scrape the wire of the double 18 for a shock two-set lead. Throwing first in the fourth leg, Adams who had started missing doubles, recovered from a missed double 16 to hit double eight but then missed double tops for a set-winning 76 checkout, Hankey edged 5-3 in front after hitting double two.

The opening legs of the third went with the throw, Adams missing double 10 for a blockbusting 140 finish, Hankey then hitting two treble 16s and hitting the wrong side of wire for double tops. Adams grabbed the leg on double five to defend his throw and then took the next against the throw to reduce the match lead to 5-4.

Throwing first in the next Hankey started hammering nails in Wolfie�s coffin as he moved ominously 2-1 ahead after hitting double tops.

He powered in a 180 � his 14th of the match and 27th of the week � to leave himself 81, hitting treble 19, double 12 when he returned to the oche to swoop into his third final in 10 years, after Adams had left himself 24.

Victorious Hankey was delighted with his performance: �That�s the best I have played all week, I can�t believe I have reached the final.

�Martin was awesome, he kept hitting 140s and 180s. I missed a few doubles but I did not want the it to go to 5-5.

�I�m looking forward to the final but have never beaten Tony O� Shea on stage in the 20 years I have been playing him. Even in last month�s World Masters I lost to him in the last 16.

�Tony has had good form for six months but I know it is down to me to put the work in and decide how I am going to play him.

�I am really proud to be in the final of the world championship here at Lakeside,� declared Hankey.

Defeated semi finalist Adams was philosophical about his defeat: �It�s the way it goes � that�s darts!�

O�Shea wins �battle of Cheshire� to march into his first final

O’Shea 31.11 | Fitton 30.81

Ninth seed Tony O�Shea won the battle of Cheshire, toppling his childhood friend and county team mate Darryl Fitton 6-4 to reach his first world final.

It was an absorbing 99-minute clash which proved �one step beyond� for Madness fan Daryl Fitton, the fifth seed.

The clash of the two Stockport sharpshooters had attracted huge interest with Hollyoaks actor Will Mellor from Stockport joining the capacity crowd to cheer on the Cheshire darts aces.

Tony O�Shea stole the march in the opening set, leading 2-0 after taking the opening leg against the throw but then Silverback missed double 16 and double eight to take the lead, Fitton striking double tops.

O�Shea defended his throw in the next for a 3-1 success, finished on double 16.

Fitton opened up with back-to-back 180s in the next and then took the next against the throw, hitting his fifth 180 to finishing the set on 66 for a 15-dart leg.

O�Shea edged 2-0 ahead in the fourth but then missed double tops for the set, recovering to take the deciding fifth leg on double 16.

Forty seven-year-old grandfather O�Shea took the crucial third leg in the fifth set against the throw with a 80 checkout finished on double 10 and then held on to take the match on double 16 � the first break of the match for an interval 3-2 lead.

Despite Fitton, 46, taking the opening leg of the sixth against the throw, Silverback won three straight legs to open up a 4-2 match lead, pressing home the advantage in the next 3-0 – against the throw – to move closer to a dream final place.

But determined Darryl took the next 3-1 � despite a brace of 180s from O�Shea – to narrow the match lead.

The opening four legs were shared in the ninth set, Fitton squeezing home his favourite double tops to further narrow O�Shea�s lead.

Fitton then missed three doubles for the 10th set after opening up a 2-1 lead, his opponent striking double eight with his first strike. Fitton hit his second maximum of the set but it proved one step beyond as Fitton wired three match-saving doubles, his Cheshire team mate firing out 76 on a bull finish.

Both players were in tears after the game and emotionally hugged each other.

O�Shea said: �It was a terrific match for both of us. There have been so many good players from Cheshire � particularly Stockport � but this is the first time that anyone has reached the final.

�Darryl was absolutely awesome and I am absolutely gutted for him,� said O�Shea.

Fitton added: �The crowd was fantastic and Tony�s bull was right in the middle.�

Walton 29.17 | Hankey 29.49

Millennium champ Ted Hankey scored a revenge win for his defeat in the 2001 final, toppling John Walton in a 63-minute demolition.

Hankey fired out six 180s and 138 and 100 finishes as he destroyed the title hopes of 2001 champ Walton, who had whitewashed defending champ Mark Webster to set up his quarter final clash with �The Count.�

Despite throwing first, 2001 champ John Walton conceded the opening set 3-1, despite two 180s as The Count staked his claim for the title.

A bull finish and his second maximum steered Hankey to a similar score in the second set.

Both players hit maximums in the next set as Hankey fought back from 1-0 to win the deciding fifth leg on double 14.

Hankey defended his throw in the opening leg of the fourth and then blazed in a 138 checkout, finished on double 12. The finish which won the world title for a baby-faced Keith Deller against Eric Bristow in 1983, was actually witnessed by Deller who was in the capacity Lakeside audience.

Refreshed from the break John Boy moved 2-0 ahead in the fifth with an 11-darter finished on double 20,clinching the set on double four.

After Hankey took the opening leg of the sixth with the throw, Walton fired out 180 and then levelled with a 126 checkout finished on bull but his fate was sealed, Hankey taking the third on double five and clinching victory on double four after John Boy missed five match-saving doubles.

A relieved Hankey said: �I just wanted to be in the semi final so much because it means the pressure is off. I am back next year and have never lost in the semi final here. If I had lost it I would have been destroyed big time.�

The Telford-based former champion again based his success this week to cutting back on his drinking before playing.

�I really wanted to have a drink before tonight�s clash with John but could only manage three pints. It has made a real difference because I am more aware of what�s going on around me and am concentrating I need to be,� he said.

�Big Robbo� toppled by super vet Adams after thriller

Adams 30.71 | Robson 30.64

Third seed Martin Adams won a thrilling 76-minute quarter final clash to topple Gary �Big Robbo� Robson 5-4.

The Northumberland sixth seed had battled back from 3-0 down to level the match twice to take it into a tense deciding ninth set.

Adams, blazed back after losing the opening leg against the throw to annex the opening set 3-1.

He then hit a maximum to take a 3-1 success against the throw in the second and then swept through the third unchallenged, equalling the tournament�s highest checkout of 156 by Scot Ross Montgomery in his first round clash with Welshman Martin Phillips.

Robson hit a brace of 180s to annex a set before the interval and refreshed from the break added the fifth set to pull the match back to 3-2.

Big Robbo�s momentum continued in the next as he hit two 180s as he surged through the sixth unchallenged, levelling the game on a 64 checkout, finishing on double 16.

The rock-steady 52-year-old Adams with his wealth of experience, refused to be bullied, delivering a 12 darter finished on bull to open the seventh set.

Robbo swept back with a further 180 and double 16, the Adams family sent into raptures as husband and father Martin swept home double 18 with his second dart to open up a 2-1 lead.

The 2007 champ fired in another maximum clinching the set on double 12 to edge 4-3 ahead in the match.

The first four legs went with the throw in the next set, the 41-year-old Northumberland ace steamed to the double, helped by 140 and 180 scores, hitting the set winning double on double six to take the match into a deciding ninth set.

Adams slammed in his ninth maximum and then took the second leg against the throw but both players missed countless doubles before Adams clinched double five to win through with his 11th attempt.

Top seed Gary Anderson crashed spectacularly out of the championships 5-3 victim of ninth seed Tony O�Shea.

It was a pulsating performance from the 47-year-old veteran from Stockport who punished �Dreamboy� for countless missed doubles in the first half of the match.

While Anderson�s dreams of getting his hands on the impressive Lakeside trophy have been dashed the new confident O�Shea looks to improve on his 2004 showing when his championship run spluttered to a halt in the semi finals.

O�Shea racked up a surprise 3-0 match lead after high-scoring Anderson was unable to convert his doubles.

A below-par performance from the Cheshire player allowed Anderson to sneak the fourth set before the break but even then he needed to three attempts for the winning double.

The fifth set went 3-0 to O�Shea as Anderson missed further doubles, a 180 helping Anderson to take the next 3-1. Missed doubles from the Stockport grandfather let in Anderson for the seventh, missing four match-winning doubles, allowing the Scot to reduce the lead to 4-3.

But the veteran English international was far from finished and took the opening leg of the eighth against the throw on double 20, taking the next on the same double and then sweeping home sixth maximum of the game to leave 80, which he polished off with his next throw, clinching victory on his third double tops of the set.

Jubilant O�Shea put his victory down to plain simple experience.

�I have been playing a long time and three or four years ago I would have crumbled against Gary who would have romped away. I knew he was going to come back, he always does.

�But I am now made of much sterner stuff and have done my share of losing. I have served my apprenticeship.

�I�m chuffed with my win. A good win and victory over a legend like Gary, I�m made up!�

The veteran Cheshire darter � the third oldest player in the field � said he has been confident all week that he can better his performance in 2004 when he reached the semi finals.

Waites out-dazzled by sparkling Fitton

Fifth seed and Madness fan Darryl Fitton moved closer to �one step beyond� as he reached the last four in the championship for the second time four years after toppling Scott Waites 5-4 in the 102 minute clash.

Cheered on by Cheshire county team mate Tony O�Shea who he will play in the semi final, Fitton had to dig deep as Waites continually set the pace in the match.

The game started at snails pace, both players adopting a slow steady pace with Fitton taking the opening set 3-2. Waites levelled and then moved ahead after taking the third set 3-1, the experienced Dazzler hitting a maximum to ensure he went into the break on level terms.

Twice battling Fitton levelled in the fifth set after losing the throwing advantage but cool Waites clinched the deciding leg with double seven.

Waites opened up a 2-0 lead, despite two 180s from Fitton, the Cheshire player hitting double 18 and then lucky double 13 to level, the Yorkshireman moving into a 4-2 match lead after hitting double tops.

Fitton hit another maximum en-route to the first leg of the seventh set, achieved on double 20 and both players suffered double trouble in the next, Waites missing five and Fitton scrambling to double six with his seventh attempt for a double to steal the advantage.

Waites blazed back to turn the throwing advantage with double five but battling Fitton hit a maximum and then a faultless 83 checkout, completed on double 16.

The opening three legs of the eighth set all went against the throw, Fitton hitting double 20 to move 2-1 ahead and calmly stroke in double eight with his second attempt to level the match at 4-4.

Waites stole the darts in the opening set of the next set, Fitton hitting a maximum as moved 2-1 in front. The Cheshire player hit back-to-back 180s as he nervously moved into the semi final hitting double four after missing four match-winning doubles.

Former title-holder John Walton scorched to a superb 4-0 38-minute whitewash of defending champion Mark Webster.

It was an awesome performance from the 47-year-old Sheffield sharpshooter who recorded 11 and 12 dart finishes and four 100 plus finishes as shell-shocked Webster struggled to annex just four legs in the 38 minute encounter.

Walton set out his stall with a 12 dart opening leg of the match, finished on 86, taking the set 3-1.

He trailed the second 2-0 but then swept back, with a 15-darter finished on a 102 checkout, following up with a 17 dart and then powering in an eye-catching 11 dart (140, 180, 140 41 checkout) set winning leg.

A 111 finish in the opening leg of the third set laid the foundation for 3-0 whitewash and then veteran Walton launched into the fourth set with a 15 dart leg including his third 180 of the game.

Wounded Webster, the 25-year-old second seed from Denbigh exited on 103 to level but the comeback was shortlived, John Boy firing out another maximum to take the following set in 15 darts.

Superior scoring saw the 2001 champion pressurise Webster who hit a flurry of low scores to leave 80, Walton cooly clinching victory and a place in the last eight with a superb 126 checkout finished on bull.

Afterwards a smiling John Boy said: �I just relaxed and played the dartboard and not Mark.

�I have been suffering with what I thought was a wrist injury � tendinitis in my right wrist. It turns out the problem was a trapped nerve in my right shoulder which was affecting the whole of my right arm and wrist!

�I have been having manipulation on my shoulder and doing exercises and this has helped. I have to have an injection, which I have been told will be painful so I didn�t want it this week.�

Dejected Webster admitted: �It just did not happen. I thought I could make it 1-1 but knew after the second set that it was not going to happen tonight.

�As defending champion you are bound to feel more pressure and I have it all year, I just haven�t played well. �My main concern now is to start playing well again and return to Lakeside in 12 months time,� declared Webster.

Wolfie ends the title hopes of young pretender Gurney

For the second successive game former champ Martin Adams found himself on the rivet as he defied a spirited performance from debutant Daryl Gurney of Northern Ireland to win through 4-2.

Adams emerged from the 79-minute encounter bruised and battered as the man from the emerald isle battled back from 2-0 down to press the England skipper.

The opening leg went with the throwing advantage, Adams missing bull for a a 161 checkout to level and then taking the next against the advantage with his fourth attempt for double tops. He then left himself 100 after nine darts, eventually taking the set on double 20 with his 16th dart.

Both players throwing slowly and deliberately, showing immense respect for each other.

Despite missing doubles the young Irish player moved 2-0 ahead, Adams blasted in a brace of 180s and levelled with 76 and 69 checkouts. Adams led the sprint to the double and after missing double 16, fired out double eight to extend his match lead.

For the second successive set the man from the Emerald Isle edged 2-0 ahead but then wired double 15 for a set winning showpiece 150 finish, as Adam struck double four and followed up with his favourite double tops to level the set. Adams missed bull for a 121 finish and commanding match lead as the Londonerry player hit double 12.

Back-to-back maximums sent a murmur through the knowledgeable crowd but hopes of a perfect leg were dashed as Adams� seventh bid for a 60 missed the tiny red segment. The following three legs went with the throw, Adams missing a bull for 121 and then double 16 and double eight, gifting the set on double tops to Gurney to pull the match back to 2-2.

Remarkably every leg in the fifth set went against the throwing advantage, Gurney hitting his second maximum as the experienced England skipper steered in set-winning 101 checkout, finished on double 16.

Trailing the sixth leg 2-0, Adams scrapped to level with a 102 checkout, completed with double 16.

Delighted Adams said �I would like to have won 4-0 but Daryl threw some very good darts and perhaps it is a case that these close matches wear me down because I am getting older and have lapses in concentration.

� I even tried standing half an inch back from the oche but it didn�t help.

�Daryl is a great player and has a big future in the game. I have watched him play international matches and is very talented and will build on the match tonight,� said relieved Adams.

Ted �The Count� Hankey stakes his claim for title
Ted �The Count� Hankey swept into the last eight, driving a stake into the title hopes of Scot Ross Montgomery, toppling him 4-1.

Despite scorching temperatures on stage, which left him sweating profusely, Hankey remained cool to bully �The Boss� into submission.

�I didn�t play well in that one and didn�t play brilliantly in my opening game so there is still a lot of hard work to be done before Friday.

�Ross is big buddy of mine and those are always the hard matches, because there is so much respect. Neither of us played well.

�I couldn�t find my pitch tonight, I found it a long throw but know what I have to do before the quarter finals.�

Hankey squares up to the on-form John �Boy� Walton in Friday�s quarter final � a repeat of the 2001 world final when the Yorkshireman prevented Hankey from successfully defending his title.

A 15-dart finish in the deciding fifth leg gave Hankey the perfect start to his bid to reach the last eightl.

He reinforced this sweeping through the next unchallenged, clinching the set with a 13-darter but despite two maximums conceded the third set to the battle Scot.

A 12-darter (134, 140, 140 and 87 checkout) saw The Count swoop into the opening leg of the fourth set, adding the next and then the fourth leg for a decisive 3-1 match lead.

The Scot – who formerly played American football – converted both double attempts in the fifth set, Hankey taking the third leg and then blasting in a 13-dart finish to level the set.

Despite two tons from the battling Ross, it was Hankey who buried the Scotsman�s title aspirations, clinching victory with double 18 after Montgomery fluffed a match-saving double 16.

Big Robbo shoots down �The Assassin�

Sixth seed Gary Robson booked his place in the last eight, killing the hopes of 11th seed Martin �The Assassin� Atkins 4-x in

But Robson who has been prone to losing concentration on the Lakeside game once again suffered jitters after opening up a commanding 3-0 lead.

Robbo sporting an uncharacteristic blue shirt instead of his normal black one had throwing advantage in the opening set but failed to press home the advantage. But he responded immediately, taking three successive legs with precision one-dart finishes to establish a match lead.

Despite two maximums from the fast-throwing Atkins, Robbo played as if he was contracted to get rid of �The Assassin,� taking a 3-1 second set success, including an 81 checkout finished on bull.

Watched by his exhibitions partner Gary Anderson, who had already booked a place in the quarter finals, the Robson steam roller continued at high tempo, flattening Atkins 3-0 in the third set with barely 20 minutes of the match completed.

Robson�s merciless treatment of Atkins continued into the fourth set, his second 180 paving the way for the first leg success on double eight � against the throwing advantage.

Atkins visibly tried to slow the runaway Robson, levelling the set after narrowly missing a 120 checkout on double tops and finishing with double 10 and then nervously annexed the third leg with the same finish after Big Robbo uncharacteristically missed darts for double 11.

The Assassin, encouraged by his new found form stamped home the advantage to clinch the set on 96, with double 18, as Robson�s play dipped.

Sixth seed Robson slammed the dart into the bull to defend his throw in the fifth set, Atkins levelling and then taking the third against the advantage with double 16. Robson hit double four to level.

Big Robbo blasted home a crucial 180 to win the race to the double. He left 36 and Atkins hit back-to-back 60s and then wired double 19 for a match-saving 158 finish, Robson coolly killing out with his second dart for double 18.

Veteran Tony O�Shea gave his younger opponent Dutchman Edwin Max a lesson in darts as he whitewashed him 4-0 in just 35 minutes to reach the last eight.

The Stockport grandfather of four fired out eight 180s and never really looked troubled by the player from the Hague who was desperate for a good result after losing his job on the eve of the tournament.

The Cheshire player who reached the quarter finals in 2004 made the perfect opening – a maximum but then set the crowd buzzing when he followed up with his second 180 and the prospect of a nine dart finish. Unfortunately he missed the crucial seventh T20 which would have set him up for the perfect game.

He recovered to finish the leg in 11 darts hitting a further maximum as he annexed the first set in just eight minutes with double nine.

Silverback�s rout continued into the next set as he fired out a further two 180s to notch a 3-1 success the shell-shocked Dutchman struggling to keep pace with the Stockport sharpshooter.

The 47-year-old grandfather of four steamed into the next set with his sixth 180, Max levelled but then O�Shea swept in a superlative 130 checkout, finished on bull.

The Dutchmen swept home his second maximum but then he hit the wrong bed which let in the Cheshire ace.

A further 180 from O�Shea pressurised the man from the Hague, giving him the first leg and then the Cheshire played blasted in his eighth maximum which put further pressure on Max who uncharacteristically missed five doubles, Silverback nipping in to take a 2-0 lead.

The dejected Dutchman missed a further double 16 to save the match in the next as O�Shea pounced to book a place in Thursday�s quarter final – with double 16.

Afterwards O Shea admitted: �I was expecting a tougher match. Edwin is a great player but did not really play well in the second half of the match. I broke him in the first two sets and really enjoyed the match. I believe there is plenty more left in the tank.�

Sparkling display from Dazzler casts out the Wizard of Oz

Fifth seed and Madness fan Darryl Fitton took one step nearer his world title dreams to cast out The Wizard and 12th seed Simon Whitlock 4-2.

It was an absorbing but hard fought encounter lasting 59 minutes but featuring 16 x 180s an 11 and two 12 darters.

The �Wizard of Oz� conjured up 12-darter to take the opening set 3-0, Fitton having just one dart for a double in the second leg.

Both players hit maximums in the opening leg of the second set but it was Fitton with the throwing advantage who recovered from missing double 18 for a 141 out shot to finish with his fourth attempt for double 18.

He added the next on double 12, taking the throw from the Aussie and then fired in his second maximum en-route to clinching the set 3-0 on double tops after just 15 minutes of play.

Throwing first in the third Whitlock added the second against the throw but the Stockport hot shot blitzed in a 124 checkout finished on bull and then defending his throw with his fourth attempt for double 16.

Despite Fitton�s third 180, the Aussie bricklayer drove home double tops to annex the set, opening up a 2-1 lead to lay solid foundations to his game.

Double tops gave the Aussie the advantage in the opening leg of the fourth set, Fitton hitting his fourth maximum as he claimed the advantage back with a superb 12-darter, finished on double 18, pressing home the advantage with a 13 dart finish in the next.

The Wizard conjured up his third 180 of the game to pull level and both players hit maximums in the next but the former undertaker buried the Aussie�s hopes of the set, smashing in an 81 finish with double tops.

Despite a maximum from Whitlock in the opening leg of the fifth set Fitton turned the advantage and then punished the Aussie for two missed doubles in the next to move into a 2-0 set lead. The Wizard produced a magical 11 darter in the next, finished on 81but relentless Fitton, fired in his seventh 18o to clinch the set on his favourite double tops.

The opening four legs of the sixth set went with the throwing advantage, Fitton leaving 81 after nine darts � including his ninth 180 � and clinching victory with his third dart for double 20.

Fitton admitted afterwards: �That was not my best darts and I didn�t feel I played very well actually.

�Last year I tipped Simon to win the title so to beat the runner-up of 12 months ago was extremely satisfying.

�After Simon hit big scores in the last but one leg of the match I did my worrying about the deciding fifth leg and knew what I needed to do. If I had not won that leg, I don�t think I would have won the match,� said victorious Fitton.

Reluctant hero Gary wins thriller against Welshman Hughes

Dreamboy Gary Anderson won a thrilling 47-minute clash with Welsh international Robert Hughes to win through to the last eight.

Anderson had to withstand a determined performance from the debutant from Milford Haven�s whose blistering finishing left Anderson with his back to the wall and fighting to keep his world title dreams alive.

After Anderson stuttered on his double, needing three attempts before clinching double three, he then annexed the opening set in a breathtaking six minutes against the stunned Hughes.

The 42-year-old Welsh international who has been playing for quarter of a century, swept back in the second taking the set 3-1, needing just one dart for each winning double as top seed looked on and gave a wry smile.

Twice he led the third after firing in two 180s, Anderson levelling but a perfect single dart for double tops gave the man from Pembrokeshire a surprise match lead over the top seed.

Twice Anderson � who slowed his game and the tempo of the match – led the next set, scraping the fourth leg on double one after missing two attempts for double two to level the match.

Anderson took the opening leg of the fifth set against the throw and then capitalised on Hughes� first missed double of the game, when he wired a bull attempt for a 161 checkout. Hughes annexed the third leg with double 20, the Scot firing out a maximum before taking the match to 4-2 with double tops.

Overcoming double trouble in the seventh set, Anderson needed five darts to hit double 16 but a 180 steered him to double eight and move ominously 2-0 ahead.

Hughes coolly despatched 96 on double eight but it was only delaying the agony as Anderson provided an exhibition match-winning finale with two double tops for victory.

After the match the top seed admitted that he played �absolute rubbish.�

�In practice I hit two nine darters. The problem is that I play darts, perhaps I need to take up tiddlywinks.

�Seriously I am a good tournament floor or pub player. I prefer to be in the shadows and really do not being like on stage in the limelight with the cameras but I know I have to do it because it is my job. But trust me I do not enjoy it.

�However once I kick in during a game I do kick in,� warned the top seed.

Scott waits for quarter final after whitewashing top Swede

Fourth seed Scott Waites moved into the quarter finals, whitewashing Swedish number one Alan Norris 4-0.

The two fast-throwing players � who are both carpenters � served up an entertaining encounter with Waites hitting nine 180s in the 33-minute clash.

In a scrappy open match as both players tested each other, Waites drove home two 180s to take the set unchallenged and against the throwing advantage.

Waites fired in a 180 in each of the first three legs to open up a 2-1 lead but missed a couple of attempts for double 18, the Swedish number one leaping in to level. Both players missed doubles in the decisive fifth leg before Waites struck double with his fifth attempt for a set-winning double.

The fourth seed turned the screw as he hit his sixth maximum and annexed three of the next four legs to steam into a resounding 3-0 lead.

Keeping up the barrage on the 60 segment, Waites intensified the onslaught, taking the opening leg of the fourth set on double 16 and then blasted in another 180, Norris nipping in to steal the leg with a bull finish.

The Yorkshire player bounced back to take the third leg on double 18 and then swept home a maximum but barely had time to retrieve his dart as Norris hit double 18 to level the set.

The seed hit his ninth 180, Norris missing a match-saving 127 finish on bull as Waites returned to the oche to win through on double 10.