Kevin Painter

KEVIN PAINTER ended almost 20 years of hurt by dumping Phil Taylor out of the World Seniors Championship.

The Essex ace comfortably KO’d The Power 3-0 in a one-sided affair at the Circus Tavern on Saturday night.

It finally gave The Artist revenge for his sudden death PDC Worlds agonising defeat to Taylor in 2004. It was only his second win against his old rival in 34 attempts.

Painter, 54, said: “It wasn’t the greatest game, neither of us played too well. It’s not the classic that the crowd wanted. Obviously I’m very happy to win the game.

“I sort of played OK in the legs that I needed to win. I slipped up in the last set. When Phil won two legs I thought ‘oh here we go again’.

“Neither of us are playing like we were 10 years ago. I’m happy, I’ve finally beaten Phil Taylor!

“It’s been a good day because Ipswich Town won today as well.”

Painter now faces the other in-form star of the tournament Robert Thornton in today’s semi-final.

He added: “Into the semis now against Robert. That should be a good game. But tonight I thought I’d play better than I did. 

“But I’m building up a bit of momentum so I think I will do alright and it’ll be a good one.”