Darts: Hot Scholten through in Dublin

Roland Scholten moved confidently into the semi-finals of the Paddy Power World Grand Prix Championship with a 6-3 win over John Part in Dublin.

Part won the opening leg but Scholten hit back with a brilliant 164 check-out, the highest of a tournament so far.

The Dutchman maintained his form to take the first set 3-2 and he completely dominated the second with an average of 115.62.

Scholten took the first leg of the third but Part dug deep and, after missing two attempts at double top, he levelled the scores with a shot at double 10.

Part showed coolness under pressure with a 126 check-out and he clinched the set with an 11-dart leg.

Both players struggled to hit the doubles in the fourth set but Scholten held his nerve and regained a two-set advantage.

Scholten also surged ahead in the next set and moved into a 3-1 success as Part struggled with his game.

And the Canadian could only win one leg of the next set as Scholten moved within one of victory.

Part refused to throw in the towel and he fought back to take the set 3-1. The 35-year-old suddenly looked more confident at the oche and he also snatched the eighth set.

Scholten raced into a 2-0 lead in the ninth and although Part won the next, the number 14 seed secured victory with an 80 check-out.

A delighted Scholten said: "I was playing well. After the first few sets John said 'Don't you ever miss the 60' but I never noticed it myself because you are concentrating and want to get ahead.

"I did take my foot off the pedal when it was 5-1 because I thought to myself just relax and enjoy it. But it then became 5-2 and 5-3 and I had to dig in because John is a fighter."

Scholten will face either John Lowe or Martin Adams in the semi-final.