BBC SPORT | Special Events | 2000 | World Darts Championship

"I'll definitely be there tonight," said Walton, a 50-1 outsider at the start of the tournament who dropped only six sets on his way to the title.

"The team manager has been away on holiday in Gran Canaria while I've been playing here this week so he'll expect me to report for the match.

"It's just a normal league game, with pairs and individual ties, but I expect the atmosphere will be just the same as at the Lakeside!"

The Yorkshire captain's determination to maintain his usual lifestyle indicates just how unexpected his victory had been at the start of the event even though he had won the World Masters on the same stage last month.

Walton's initial target had been to get past the first round, then to reach the semi-finals in order to book a return visit next year.

But there was certainly no fluke about the way in which he disposed of five useful opponents, looking the most impressive player throughout and consistently achieving the highest three-dart average.

Fancy my chances

Now he is targeting a clash with the all-conquering Phil Taylor, who dominates the PDC circuit which was set up in rivalry with the BDO eight years ago.

"I hope something can be arranged for me to take on Phil," said Walton, whose only previous appearance at the Embassy had ended in a first round defeat two years ago.

"I'd love to play Phil and he knows that. And I'd fancy my chances against him - I wouldn't want to take him on if I thought I'd get hammered. I know I can play better still."

Walton also hopes the appearance at the final of Sports Minister Kate Hoey, who presented him with the trophy, can help darts gain further recognition by being officially declared as a sport.

John 'Boy' Walton
Walton raises a glass in celebration

"Of course darts is a sport," stated Sheffield-based Walton.

"It might not be physically demanding but a lot of mental strength is required."

There was certainly nothing lacking in Walton's game as he added 'The Count' to his list of victims.

After making his usual flying start, he kept up the pressure and gradually pulled away after the interval to become the first bespectacled Embassy champion.

"This means the world to me," said Walton, who claimed his lucky mascot, a teddy bear called Kevin who accompanies him everywhere, had been a vital influence.

"It was an unbelievable feeling when I hit the winning double eight - I just wanted to fly."


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