Dennis Priestley returned to winning ways to clinch the Players Championship with a 3-2 win over Kevin Painter at Ashton Gate.
Former World Champ wins Players Championship
Dennis Priestley returned to winning ways to clinch the Players Championship with a 3-2 win over Kevin Painter at Ashton Gate.
'The Menace' picked up his first tournament victory for over a year after making a successful return to the oche following treatment for prostate cancer.
Priestley faced in-form Painter in an evenly contested final, however it was the 57-year-old who eventually powered his way to victory - sealing the title in style with a breathtaking 156 checkout.
'The Menace' took the opening four legs of the final to open up a two set lead, and despite a brief fight back from Painter the early advantage proved decisive and 'The Artist' failed to recover.
Priestley's route to the final saw him overcome Colin Osborne in the quarter-final after 'The Wizard' had knocked out reigning champion Phil Taylor in the previous round.
Osbourne's victory ended 'The Power's' bid to land back-to-back Players Championship titles.
Guile
A pulsating semi-final with UK Open champion James Wade once again saw a Priestley contest go to the deciding set.
However, the experience and guile of 'The Menace' proved just too much for the Aldershot arrower and his route to the final was confirmed.
Speaking after the final Priestley said: "I'm delighted with the win. It's been a tiring day for me and it is draining but it feels great to be playing so well.
"I scored well and some of the wins were really hard work - I should be called Dennis "3-2" Priestley after those last four games."
Painter reached his first final since September 2006 after fantastic 3-1 victories over Dutch thrower Jelle Klaasen (quarter-final) and Adrian 'Jackpot' Lewis (semi-final).
'The Artist' also beat Steve Maish and Spain's Carlos Rodriguez on his way to the £2,500 runners-up cheque - Priestley picked up £5,000 for his tournament success.
