Shropshire’s Ted Hankey has stormed through to the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts – after a stunning triumph over Phil Taylor in the battle of the world champions.

The much anticipated round-robin clash at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall went the way of two-times world champion Hankey who edged out Taylor 5-4 in a final leg thriller.

The victory means the 42-year-old from Aqueduct in Telford has won both of his group matches to date and qualified for the last 16 with a game to spare.

That is in stark contrast to Hankey’s debut in the tournament 12 months ago when he crashed out in the group stages after being on the wrong end of barracking from the crowd.

“I’m really happy because I played well and am delighted with the win,” said Hankey, who was playing Taylor for the first time competitively.

“Phil came back at me well but I held on and am very pleased.

“I felt I let myself down last year but I had a tough time.

“I’ve got through my shoulder problems and I was really looking forward to coming back to Wolverhampton, so to be in the last 16 is great.”

Defeat has left Taylor, who has won 15 world crowns, facing a must-win battle with Wes Newton in his final group game in the £400,000 tournament tomorrow night.

Hankey, who averaged 104, will also be in action tomorrow against Dutch youngster Michael van Gerwen.

But he will have nowhere near the same pressure as Taylor having already guaranteed himself a top two finish in his group and a Friday night second round tie.

By JAMES GARRISON