Sports story by Boris Webb, Mon, 16 Jan 2006 21:48:00 GMT


21-year-old Jelle Klaasen caused an upset by overcoming defending champion Raymond van Barneveld in the final of the Lakeside World Darts championship. The Dutchman stormed to a two set lead before his fellow countryman seemed to realize that they were playing in a final.

After his thrilling win, the young Klaasen was lost for words, "I am just about lost for words, I came here with no expectation, but to win it? Never. But now it's mine and it's amazing," he said.

Klaasen was the better player throughout the game, but van Barneveld never let up and came from behind to level the game at 5-5 before Klaasen had an excellent set to take a 6-5 lead in the 11th game. The final set was all about keeping nerves and Klaasen kept his to seal a famous win.

Van Barneveld was disappointed with his performance on the night, "It was a very painful performance for me. I missed too many doubles and left the door open for him," he said. "I felt good but it always seemed like I was behind. But Jelle is a great hero and will be a great champion."

However, Eric Bristow created ripples with harsh words for the championship, "I've enjoyed being here and it's been nice to watch some amateur darts," he said. "Klaasen's three-dart average of just over 90 isn't all that good but he won't worry about that because he's the world champion. I just hope whoever is looking after him doesn't try to set up a unification match against Phil Taylor because Phil would kill him."

But the BDO rubbished his claims saying that the event had attracted 4.2million viewers on BBC. "Eric Bristow should have more class than to say what he did. You can't describe your fellow professionals or a great final in that way," said Robert Holmes, a BDO spokesman.

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