BRIAN WOODS 4 v CO STOMPÉ 2

Cumbrian Brian Woods shunted former tram driver and sixth seed Co Stompe out of the championship with a clinical 4-2 victory.

"Matchstick" Stompe competed once again in a long-sleeved shirt – this time in royal blue – preferring it to the customary short sleeved sports shirt but roasted on stage under the glare of the TV lights and Woods’ good form.

The first four sets went with the throwing advantage, Stompe equalling the best checkout of the tournament –170 in the second set. The perfect finish was also achieved by Scotland’s unseeded Robert Thornton against his defeat of fifth seed Tony O’Shea.

The opening legs of the fifth set went with the throw, Stompe missing three doubles, in the third to allow Woods to peck off double nine.

Despite The Matchstick striking his third 180 in the next, Woods swept home double 10 for a 3-1 match lead.

After taking the opening leg of the sixth set with the throw, Woods produced a stunning 12-dart leg including a maximum and bull finish to move within one leg of a shock victory.

Throwing first in the next the Cumbrian won the sprint to the double wiring double 16 for an 88 victory flourish but having sufficient lead to return and hit the match-winning double eight with his first dart.

Woods was pleased with his performance and said that the flu bout was improving: "I knew that Co would be hard to beat but aimed to keep matching his scoring and then hit the doubles as he was missing them.

"If I play my own game I am capable of beating anyone. Tonights performance was not brilliant and I know there’s a lot more to come.

"The secret to my performances this year is that I feel more comfortable up on stage. I think it might be that I came through the playoffs during the past two years but qualified through the rankings this year," said Brian.

Stompe said: "I’m disappointed but its my own fault – I missed crucial doubles."