Webster seals thrilling BDO final

Trainee plumber Webster earned £85,000 for his BDO victory

World number one Mark Webster beat Simon Whitlock 7-5 in a rousing final of the BDO World Championships.

The Welshman, 24, was never behind as he took a 3-0 lead but unseeded Whitlock pegged him back to 3-2 and was in touch right up until the final set.

Webster won the next set to take a 4-2 advantage into the break and continued his formidable form on his own throw by sealing the victory with a double 10.

"I can't believe it," said Webster, who earned a winner's cheque for £85,000.

Interview: BDO champion Mark Webster

"That winning double I shook it in I think," the left-hander added. "I don't think I could have handled another leg."

Despite the excitement Webster insisted he will carry on with his college course as a trainee plumber.

"I didn't smile on stage but I think that was the adrenaline," he said.

"I did enjoy myself - you have to because it might be your only chance to take part in the World Championship. I am really made up. I've got a day off and then it's back into college to continue my plumbing course on Tuesday."

He is awesome, his counting was awesome. It was a brilliant game Webster on Whitlock

Webster also paid tribute to his Australian opponent who enjoyed a dream run to the final and earned £30,000 as runner-up.

Webster said: "He is awesome, his counting was awesome. It was a brilliant game."

It was a final full of high quality darts at the Lakeside, the duo sharing 28 180s between them with Whitlock responding to Webster's every surge.

606: DEBATE What did you make of the final?

Whitlock himself said: "I never gave up, I had chances but did not take them.

"It was probably my best game in a tournament.

"I will be back next year - to win it."

The Aussie took two out of three sets following the interval to make it 5-4 and the pair traded the next two sets suggesting the final might go all the way.

But Webster kept his nerve with an 11-dart finish in the opening leg of the deciding set.

And although Whitlock hit back with one of his own, a strong Welsh crowd roared on Webster as he eked out the next two legs to clinch the title in style.