Shropshire’s Ted Hankey was today bidding for a place in the BDO World Championship final – and a chance to win the prestigious title for the second time.

The Telford darter, from Aqueduct, thrashed Yorkshire’s John ‘Boy’ Walton 5-1 in the quarter-finals last night to gain revenge for his defeat in the 2001 final – and guarantee himself prizemoney of at least £11,000.

Hankey, known as ‘The Count’ to his legions of fans, won the crown himself a year earlier when he beat Ronnie Baxter 6-0 in the fastest final on record. 

He was up against 2007 champion Martin Adams today, with the winner due back on the Lakeside stage tomorrow to face either Tony O’Shea or Daryl Fitton for the title and £95,000 first prize. The runner-up will pocket £30,000. 

Hankey, 40, was far from at his best against Walton last night, recording a three-dart average of 88.47 to ease his way into the semi-final. 

He still provided some champagne moments though, one of the highlights being a 138 checkout on his way to a four-sets-to-nil lead. 

That 138 was pulled off in front of former champion Keith Deller, who famously checked out on the same score to win the 1983 title against Eric Bristow. 

“In the first session I played all right but I was thinking too much in the last two sets,” said Hankey, referring to his stuttering finish to the match. 

“I wanted to be in the semi-finals so much, it’s unreal. 

“I’ve never lost a semi-final (in the world championships), it’s the only round where I haven’t lost in fact. 

“The pressure’s off now and I’m sure there’s more to come from me.”

By Chris Hudson