The Thorn brushes aside The Artist as defending champion Thornton returns to World Seniors Darts Championship Final after repeat Painter win

Robert Thornton is one match away from defending his World Seniors Darts Championship crown and becoming a two-time winner after brushing aside Kevin Painter in a 3-0 straight sets win at the Circus Tavern.

Thornton will now face Richie Howson, the local hero who will be the underdog in the final but likely heavily back against the imperious Scot.

To begin the tie, it was a dream start for Painter which soon turned into a nightmare. He produced a 167 and 134 checkout en route to an early lead but missed set darts and Thornton came back to snatch it in a decider.

Thornton then took the second set as despite Painter pinning a third 180, the Scot closed it out in a decider to go one away from victory.

He missed 150 for the match but returned for double four first time to take it and not give Painter a chance at 115.