Darts: Adams grinds his way to world title

Martin Adams claimed his second BDO World Championship as he edged a tenacious Dave Chisnall 7-5 in the final at Frimley Green last night.

The 53-year-old, who won his first title three years ago, was again victorious at Lakeside with a fine performance in front of a vocal crowd.

Adams (right, celebrating victory) took the first two sets to put his opponent under early pressure and when he went 3-0 up after Chisnall had allowed a good winning position slip, the result looked a formality.

Chisnall fought back to take the fourth set under pressure but when Adams hit a 10-dart leg in the fifth it looked like the 2007 champion would outclass his opponent. Yet a determined showing from the 29-year-old, coupled with a missed double top from Adams, allowed Chisnall back in to make it 3-2.

Adams extended his lead to 4-2 before Chisnall put together successive sets for the second time to fight back to 4-4.

Adams edged into a 6-5 lead but Chisnall scored a 10-darter of his own to take the first leg of the 12th set to tee up a tense finale. Nonetheless, Adams held his nerve and found double top to take a decisive seventh set and claim the trophy.

Adams, who claimed the £100,000 winner's prize as well as a £3,000 bonus for a tournament-best checkout of 170 in the match, said: "It's a lovely cheque, but it's the world professional darts title ... that's what we come here for.

"Dave's game is all about not letting go. He's like a dog with a bone. He maybe gave me a little too much rub of the green in the early sets but I'm happy with that, thanks Dave."

The beaten Chisnall, who came into the event an unfancied outsider and leaves with a a cheque for £30,000, added: "I'm happy with how I played but I missed doubles and he punished me. He didn't miss many himself, he was brilliant."