Hankey win after double trouble

But the clash was not without controversy, as Telford-based Hankey continued his war of words with the vocal crowd at the Wolverhampton Civic.

The reigning BDO world champion had to win to stay in with a chance of coming through the group stage, having been jeered by the spectators during his 5-3 defeat to Scott Waites on Sunday afternoon.

"The crowd were terrible again - they were hissing and booing when I was throwing, but I got through it and that's all that matters," said Hankey.

"I played better than I did on Sunday but I missed too many doubles.

"I don't know why supporters like that want to come and watch darts - come and enjoy it, but don't do silly things like that and spoil it."

Hankey racked up some big scores last night despite the distractions but struggled on his doubles, hitting five out of 35 for an appalling 14 per cent checkout rate.

His double trouble meant the game was a lot closer than it should have been and, after missing four doubles to seal the best-of-nine contest in the seventh leg, it eventually went all the way to a decider.

He now completes his group stage against Simon Whitlock tomorrow evening, the Australian beating Waites 5-4 last night to maintain his 100 per cent record.

Hankey will need to win that one, then wait for the result of the Waites-Mardle game before learning if he has secured the top two finish he needs to reach the knockout stage.

World No 3 James Wade produced the best performance of the tournament so far with a 108.9 average in coming from 3-0 down to defeat Robert Thornton 5-3.

By CHRIS HUDSON