RAY VAN BARNEVELD pulled off a stunning comeback to topple the last bastion of English sport.
Barney beat 13-times champ Phil Taylor 7-6 in a sudden-death thriller to win the PDC World Darts title on his Circus Tavern debut.
And in doing so, the Dutch thrower ensured 2007 started as 2006 ended — with disaster for the British.
Despite producing a brave fight, ‘The Power’ followed where England’s cricket, rugby and football teams have gone before in failing when it matters most.
But it could not have been closer after more than three hours in which Van Barneveld blew five match points having battled his way back from 3-0 down in sets.
The former postman finally lifted the trophy after a sudden-death shootout at five legs apiece to win the greatest match ever on an oche.
Van Barneveld, 39, who will take a cheque for £100,000 back home to The Hague, said: “I can’t believe it. It has to go down as the greatest darts final in history.
“Now I’ve won and got my breath back, it feels like it was a fantastic match and a real treat for the fans.
“At 3-0 down, I was worried. I thought it was going to be 7-0 — or I might win one or two sets.
“I really thought it was over for me. Every time I had to keep believing in my own game.
“It shows what you need to beat Phil Taylor.â€�
Taylor won the first set inside eight minutes and looked to be cruising to his 14th world title.
But Barney woke up in the nick of time, clawing his way back into contention. His 21 180s were the most in any one final and his 170 checkout in the fourth set was the first maximum finish in the tournament.
That even brought a smile to Taylor’s face but that quickly disappeared as Barney made it 3-2 with the help of a 129 finish.
Taylor re-established a two-set lead but Van Barneveld went ahead for the first time at 6-5 — only to see Taylor come from 2-1 down in the 12th set to level again.
With two clear legs needed for victory, the first 10 went with the throw — although Van Barneveld had four darts for the match — which meant a sudden-death shootout for the crown.
The Dutchman won the nearest to the bull to decide first throw and eventually flopped over the line on a double top to cap a fantastic year since switching from the rival BDO last February.
He added: “We are very close friends. If Phil ever stops they should make a statue of him for what he has done for the sport.â€�
Taylor, 46, insisted he will be back next year to win back the crown which has been synonymous with his name.
He said: “In that last leg, when I kicked in with 180, I thought I had the bugger.
“But he has loads of bottle, he fought back well, there was nothing I could do. I tried my hardest. I’ll be back, it’s been the best final I have ever played in.â€�
180!
180!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,3-2007000123,00.html
I ain't leaving without your soul and I am sober this time.
