Darts: Part takes no time to tame McCollum

JOHN PART moved smoothly into the semi-finals of the Embassy World Championship at the Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green, after a straight-sets win over England's Steve McCollum yesterday.

The 27-year-old Canadian had not lost a set in his three matches before last night's quarter-final and he continued that sequence in rapidly disposing of McCollum.

Part again displayed the cool temperament which has been a feature of his play, but he did let his emotions show at one point. 'I let out a big yell when I had a high check-out tonight and then threw two bad darts when I was next up. I find my darts is better when I keep my adrenalin in check.'

He will now meet Ronnie Sharp who, in another one-sided contest, defeated Troels Rusel of Denmark 4-1. The Scotsman took the first three sets in nine straight legs, but failed to seal the match in the fourth set when he missed double 16 in the fourth leg.

Rusel took advantage, but Sharp quickly recovered his poise to win the fifth set in straight legs to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Bobby George may have to wear a girdle when he plays Sweden's Magnus Caris in the semi-finals today. George, known as the game's Liberace for his flamboyant style, is suffering from back trouble and yesterday had extensive treatment from a chiropractor.

EMBASSY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (Frimley Green) Quarter-finals: J Part (Can) bt S McCollum (Eng) 4-0; R Sharp (Sco) bt T Rusel (Den) 4-1.