• UK Open Darts

Thornton thrashes Taylor to win UK Open crown

ESPN staff
June 10, 2012
Robert Thornton claimed an unlikely victory in Bolton © PA Photos
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Robert Thornton stunned 15-time world champion Phil Taylor to claim his maiden PDC title at the UK Open in Bolton.

The Scot, who had seen off the likes of Gary Anderson, Wes Newton and Dave Chisnall en route to the final, claimed an unlikely 11-5 victory at the Reebok Arena.

Taylor, bidding to win a fifth UK Open crown, had looked to be firmly on course for victory after grabbing an early lead, but missed 10 darts at the double for a 3-0 lead.

A 106 checkout saw the Scot take a 5-3 lead, and he streaked away towards victory with some clinical throwing. Taylor stopped the rot to win the 13th leg, but it merely delayed the inevitable as Thornton hit a 121 checkout with a bullseye finish to take the title.

The victory sees him return to the top 32 in the PDC Order of Merit, after recovering from pneumonia last year.

"I'm very proud," Thornton told Sky Sports. "My kids are going to be up jumping all over the place. "To just get to the final, I was happy enough. To win it... it's just unbelievable."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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