Part digs deep to beat Manley

World champion John Part had to dig deep to defeat former world number one Peter Manley in a titanic tussle at the inaugural Sky Bet UK Open in Bolton today.

The two players could not be separated after 12 fascinating legs at the Reebok Stadium, but it was the Canadian who finished strongly to take the fourth-round match by eight legs to six.

Part came of age when he beat 10-times world champion Phil Taylor in a memorable World Championship final at Purfleet in January.

And he was able to draw on all his experience as he twice nailed double 16 to clinch victory.

“It was tough work because it was the end of the afternoon and we’ve waited a long time to play,” admitted Part afterwards. “It’s hard to stay focused for so long.”