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Hot-shot Holden marks one up as he turns on the power

John Gwynne
13/ 6/2008

DARTS: MARK Holden capped a great season when he was the only player to get the better of Phil Taylor in an exhibition night at the VASA Club in Blackley.

Holden, who won all of his league games, both on the log-end and big boards, while playing for the Grove Inn team, won the opening leg in 13 arrows.

Taylor won the second with something in hand, and he looked likely to win the third when he needed double 10 with Holden on 170.

But the Top Banana struck two treble 20s and the bull to send the audience wild.

Despite Holden's memorable win Taylor was the star of the show.

He hit a dozen 180s on the night and posted a 170 finish in his win over Neil Turvin. He rounded off a superb 15-dart leg of 701 with a 121 checkout, via bull, treble seven and bull in beating VASA's Mike Harris.

Billy Cook, also from the VASA Club, had an average of 94.38, but The Power beat him with a three-figure mean score.

Among Taylor's challengers was Advertiser competition winner Martin Smith from Crumpsall. He acquitted himself well, especially as he was first man up.

The Greater Manchester Super League starts on Sunday. Blackley (Grove) will be without a game, but Blackley (VASA) entertain Newton Heath, start 12.30pm