Shropshire’s Ted ‘The Count’ Hankey vanquished rival Tony O’Shea to win his second world darts title, and admitted: “It’s even better than last time.” 

Hankey, from Telford, defeated Stockport ace O’Shea 7-6 in a full-blooded battle at the Lakeside, Frimley Green, last night. 

His victory landed him a biggest ever payday of £95,000, while his 161 checkout in his semi-final win over Martin Adams on Saturday was the joint highest of the tournament – earning him another £1,500. 

The 40-year-old first won the prestigious BDO crown in 2000 after thrashing Ronnie Baxter 6-0 in the fastest final on record. 

His victory last night did not come so easily – he missed eight darts to win it before finally getting over the winning line – but he insisted the success was all the sweeter for having his family there to enjoy it. 

“When I won my first title it was great because I always want to win the Embassy world championship, as it was then, but this win is special,” said No 7 seed Hankey, who finished with a three-dart average of 91.47. 

“To win this second title means more to me for personal reasons. My home life is now more settled and everyone was here to see me win. 

“Four years ago I nearly jacked it all in. I phoned up Stevo (manager Dave Stevenson) and told him I’d had enough. 

“He said: ‘Come and have a word with me.’ I went and talked to him and it got me back on the right road. Now I’m champion again.” 

Hankey, who lives in Aqueduct, had to win an almighty scrap against O’Shea – with the outcome only decided after a tense final set. 

The Count lost the first set but then reeled off three in a row and never trailed from that point. 

He was not able to shake off his gritty opponent though, and missed eight darts at doubles to seal it, before finally hitting double-10 to take the final set by three-legs-to-one. 

“When we got to 6-6 I thought: ‘I ain’t ever going to win it,’” he admitted. “I really thought I’d blown my chance. Tony played so well, constantly putting pressure on me. 

“I would hit a 180 to leave a shot and he would follow up hitting a maximum and come right behind me. 

“I felt had one leg to do it because if he’d taken that last one we’d have been going to a tie-break.”

By CHRIS HUDSON at Lakeside