Darts: Painter puts the power out

Kevin Painter produced a massive upset at the 2001 Paddy Power World Grand Prix Championship with a 2-1 win over nine-time world champion Phil Taylor ast night.

Kevin Painter produced a massive upset at the 2001 Paddy Power World Grand Prix Championship with a 2-1 win over nine-time world champion Phil Taylor last night.

Taylor, who has won all three of the Grand Prix events which have been held since 1998, went 1-0 ahead but Painter came back at him and levelled the score.

The 33-year-old qualifier then raced into a 2-0 lead in the deciding set before Taylor pulled one back, but Painter hit double top with his first dart and never looked back.

Taylor was understandably disappointed by the loss - but he was quick to praise Painter.

He said: ‘‘I played absolutely rubbish to be honest. I’m very disappointed but I prepared properly for it, unfortunately it didn’t come off.

‘‘The first round is a short format but he would have beaten me tonight if it was the best of seven. I just didn’t perform but good luck to him.

‘‘He played well. They are all good players and they’re getting better, which is inspiring.

‘‘It’s given me a kick up the backside, that’s for sure. The next one will be a different story look out now.’’

Painter was delighted to have beaten probably the greatest player ever to have taken up the sport.

He said: ‘‘I am well pleased. You come to a tournament and you want to do well.

‘‘When you see the draw come out, and you see you’ve got Phil Taylor you are not too happy but you have to accept it.

‘‘I knew I could do it. There is no doubt in my ability, all the boys know I’ve got the ability.

‘‘It’s the temperament which is suspect sometimes. You’ve just got to get on with it though and gladly I came through.’’

Dave Askew moved into the second round with a 2-0 win over local favourite Keith Rooney.

1st rd: K Painter (Eng) bt (3) P Taylor 2-1, (7) D Askew (Eng) bt K Rooney (Irl) 2-0