Klaasen springs world title shock

In a thrilling final, Klaasen made a whirlwind start, winning the first two sets before the four-time champion found his rhythm.

The 21-year-old Dutchman began to exert his authority and led 5-4 with some exciting darts against his compatriot.

He won the crucial 11th set to lead 6-5 and kept his cool for a famous win.

Klaasen, a 100-1 shot at the start of the tournament, had already beaten top seed Mervyn King on his way to the final and becomes the youngest ever world champion.

He played some sparking darts at times and refused to be overawed by van Barneveld, who was chasing a record-equalling fifth world titles.

The more experienced Dutchman struggled at times to hit the doubles, particularly after the mid-session interval.

Klaasen, who has only playing the game for four years, reeled off seven legs in a row to go 5-4 ahead and a shock looked on the cards.

Van Barneveld levelled the match yet again, winning a tight 10th set 3-2 but he paid the price for some more missed chances with Klaasen capitalising to win the £60,000 first prize.

"I was lucky that Raymond missed a few doubles and I got them," said the new champion.

"I didn't expect this at all. Raymond is still the number one in the world."

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British Darts Organisation
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World Darts Federation
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