Taylor Lands Bolton Nine-Dart Hat-Trick

PHIL TAYLOR landed his third nine-darter at the Reebok Stadium during his 11-5 win over Wes Newton in the Blue Square UK Open.

Taylor achieved the feat for a fifth time in televised competition during his fifth round victory, earning himself a £20,000 bonus from the PDC.

The PDC have offered £5,000 for a nine-darter in any Sky Sports-televised Order of Merit event since last year's World Matchplay, which has rolled over after not being achieved at Blackpool, in the World Grand Prix and World Championship.

Leading only 6-5, Taylor landed back-to-back 180s before hitting treble 20, treble 19 and double 12 to hit his third UK Open perfect leg.

He went on to win 11-5 and book his place in the last 16, and admitted: "It's a very special moment.

"It was the kind of match that needed something special. I couldn't shake Wes off and that was probably the sucker punch that changed the game.

"I honestly think I could hit another in this event, and I thought Wes himself could come back with one."

Tournament sponsors Blue Square offered 100/1 at the start of the tournament for Taylor and defending champion Raymond van Barneveld to land a perfect leg - leaving the Dutchman now to complete a dream win for punters!

Taylor's nine-darter alone has cost Blue Square almost £50,000 - after they offered to refund all losing Outright Winner bets placed before the start of the tournament should a nine-dart leg be landed during the event.