Fitton edges past Hogan in dramatic deciding leg victory, Williams and Stone claim commanding title wins

Darryl Fitton claimed a dramatic victory over Paul Hogan to claim the inaugural MAD English Championship title belt.

Fitton survived two match darts from Hogan to win through in an 8-7 victory against the initial champion.

Late on in the tie, Hogan took out 60 with Darryl Fitton straying into a single one going for 170 to break throw and from there, he produced a 100 set up to leave a 52 checkout which he failed to pin but Fitton pinned double seven for a 28 checkout to put it all the way to a decider at 7-7.

This proved to be pivotal as he was well ahead and left 32 which he pinned to claim the English Championship belt.

After a change in title in the first match between John O’Shea and James Richardson, this wasn’t the case for Jim Williams as he claimed the inaugural MAD Welsh Championship belt after initially being crowned the champion during the launch.

Williams won through in a commanding victory over Richie Burnett claiming it 8-2 in a battle of two players who have had recent success in the Challenge Tour. He hit a 161 checkout en route to win.

While for Ryan Hogarth and Gary Stone, it was for the vacant Scottish Championship belt. ‘The Headhunter’ started well but Stone was imperious from there claiming an 8-1 win with a 96 average and 8/9 on the doubles as Hogarth had no answer to his brilliant display.

John O'Shea (84.75) 5-9 (93.00) James Richardson (European title, best of 17 legs)

Jim Williams (88.46) 8-2 (83.96) Richie Burnett (Welsh title, best of 15 legs)

Ryan Hogarth (79.59) 1-8 (96.97) Gary Stone (Scottish title, best of 15 legs)

Paul Hogan (81.70) 8-7 (81.88) Darryl Fitton (English title, best of 15 legs)

Wayne Warren v Scott Mitchell (World title, best of 21 legs)