Darts: Dream ends for valiant Tony

IT was back down to earth today for Pride of Stockport Tony O’Shea after his nail-biting World Darts Championship final.

The self-confessed "big northern softie" lost a dramatic and thrilling final at The Lakeside Club in Surrey to favourite Ted Hankey.

But O^Shea, 47, from Romiley will not have to wait long before his next darts appointment.

Having collected a runner-up cheque for £30,000, he^ll be supporting the pub team he plays for in the local league at The Pineapple Inn in Marple tonight.

In one of the greatest finals of all time, O^Shea staged a brilliant comeback to take the final to the wire in a deciding set.

Telford-based Hankey, 40, had several chances to win the title but was stunned by the Stockport fightback before he finally triumphed 7-6.

"I thought it was over probably seven or eight times – it was unbelievable," added O^Shea. "When I came out after the break I thought, ^I^ve nothing to lose.^ But I was a bit tired near the end. I think I^m carrying one or two pounds too much.

"But he deserved his victory – he played really well. I just hope everyone enjoyed it – there^s aways next year.

"If somebody would have said to me two weeks ago that I^d lose in the final of The Lakeside, I^d have probably said, ^Wow.^"

Story By: Stockport Express

http://www.stockportexpress.co.uk//sport/s/1089824_dream_ends_for_valiant_tony