Derby double for Walsh

Mark Walsh claimed the UK Open title in Derby for the second year running as he defeated Phil Taylor in Sunday's final.

Walsh won the tournament at the Moorways Centre last year with a win over Raymond van Barneveld, and he defeated another world champion this time around to defend his title.

15-time world champion Taylor won Saturday's event in Derby on his return to the regular ProTour, but 'The Power' was switched off by Walsh as he prevailed with a handsome 6-2 success.

Co Stompe came closest to ending Walsh's reign as champion as the Dutchman came from 3-0 and 4-1 down to level their semi-final clash, but the champion took the last two to go through to the final.

Walsh had earlier beaten veteran Colin Monk 6-1 in the quarter-finals, while also seeing off the likes of Colin Lloyd, Mark Webster and Dennis Priestley in the earlier rounds.

Top form

In the final, Taylor struggled to get a look-in, as Walsh hit three 14-darters and even a 13-dart leg in what turned out to be the final leg of the match.

"I must love this venue and it's a great confidence boost for me," said Walsh. "I've had a bad six months or so but I think my game is coming together again.

"Defeating Phil at any time is memorable but to do so in a final is very special. Hopefully I can build on this now and have a good year."

Only Andy Callaby took more than a leg off Taylor before the final, with his 6-3 defeat the closest anyone got to the living legend, who again was in top form on the day.

The Power will face old foe van Barneveld in Thursday's Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts in Exeter, and he looked as good as ever despite his final defeat by Walsh.

World number three James Wade reached the last eight, including wins over Paul Nicholson, Andy Smith and Wayne Mardle to warm up for his crucial Premier League clash with Adrian Lewis in Exeter.

Lewis also won through to the quarters before losing to Andy Hamilton, while Monk's run to the last eight was his best showing since October.