Darts: Scot nails his first world title

Anderson is Scotland's first dart champion in 18 years. Photo / Getty Images

Gary Anderson might have just defeated the best arrow thrower in the sport's history and landed a £250,000 ($500,000) cheque but he plans to celebrate with nothing more extravagant than a day of home improvements.

"I'll be getting some sleep and then I'll get my tool belt on at home to do some DIY," he said, "There's always something that needs doing around the house."

The heavy hitter from Eyemouth in the Scottish borders came back from two sets behind to beat Phil Taylor and become his country's first world darts champion since Les Wallace 18 years ago.

Lady Luck was not on his side as his darts bounced out of the board repeatedly and he was embroiled in a dispute with a member of the crowd. But he regained his composure to clinch the biggest win of his career, beating 16-time champion Taylor 7-6 with a double 12 finish.

"I'm proud to be a Scotsman," said Anderson, "I live in Somerset now but it makes it a bit more special to win for my home country. It hasn't really sunk in yet. Maybe by about Wednesday or Thursday I'll have realised what I've done."

The atmosphere was electric when Anderson was introduced but it paled in comparison to the wall of noise that greeted Taylor's arrival on the giant blue Alexandra Palace stage. His signature tune The Power rang out as he applauded his adoring audience.

Taylor uncharacteristically missed 55 shots at doubles but he believes he can disprove the doubters. "I'm going to get better next year and that's a promise," said Taylor, "I will practise harder than ever."