TheOche.com

Martin Adams saw his dream of a second Lakeside World Darts Championship evaporate today as Ted Hankey staked his claim in the final round.

Hankey came through the hard fought back and forth battle with a 6-4 victory over the 2007 Lakeside winner Adams.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Hankey. “That’s the best I’ve played all week. I hit 180s and finished well but Martin just never went away.”

The pair were never more than a set apart until Hankey, 2000 Title winner of the Lakeside, pulled out to a 5-3 lead with a double two out shot.

Martin came back to get within a set at 5-4, but the counting was all Hankey’s after that.

Martin, admittedly struggling at times for scores and doubles, said of Hankey: He was really hurting me with the 140s and 180s. He seemed to have that knack of hitting a big shot to leave himself a good finish.”

Hankey remarked: “The semi-finals is still the only round I’ve never lost in and I’m happy with that.”