Controversial Shropshire darter Ted Hankey is quitting the BDO circuit to join the more lucrative PDC Tour.

Hankey, from Aqueduct in Telford, announced his decision on Saturday evening after crashing out of the BDO World Championship with a 6-5 semi-final defeat to eventual champion Christian Kist.

The 43-year-old has always been a vocal critic of the so-called “PDC circus”, which is widely seen as the stronger of the two codes – and boasts legendary 15-times world champion Phil Taylor as well as another Shropshire ace, Steve Farmer.

But Hankey has overcome his own objections, announcing after his defeat at the Lakeside: “This is it for me.

“Thanks a lot to everyone, I’ve had great support here but times change and I’ve made my decision.

“I’ll miss this place, you can’t explain the Lakeside atmosphere, but it’s time to move on.”

Hankey won the BDO title in 2000 and 2009 and looked on course for a third final as he led Dutchman Kist 5-3 and then had a dart for victory at 5-4 before eventually losing the deciding set.

Kist, still only 25, went on to clinch the title in his debut year at the Lakeside, beating Tony O’Shea 7-5 in last night’s final.

He could also now be set for a switch to the Barry Hearn-run PDC, with the rival organisation offering places to all four Lakeside semi-finalists.

See also:

• Ted Hankey through to darts semi-finals
• Ted Hankey stuns Scott Waites to reach last eight