Stoke Duo Aiming For History

THE Ladbrokes World Darts Championship trophy will return to Stoke on Monday night - but will Adrian Lewis or Andy Hamilton be holding the coveted title?

Stoke's reputation as the breeding ground of darts' champions continued when Hamilton won through to his first World Championship final on Sunday night, coming from 5-3 down to defeat Simon Whitlock 6-5.

He will take on Stoke rival and reigning champion Adrian Lewis in Monday's best-of-13 set final, with the 26-year-old looking to make history as the first player other than Phil Taylor - Stoke's greatest darting product - to retain the PDC World Championship title.

Lewis could also join Eric Bristow and Raymond van Barneveld as the only players in darts' history to retain the World Championship following their maiden victory should he see off his regular practice partner.

"Andy's had a fantastic tournament and it's great for two Stoke lads to be in the final," said Lewis.

"Maybe we've got more bottle than anyone else - it must be in the oatcakes!

"I don't know what it is about the area but we're gritty characters, as both Andy and me showed in the semi-finals."

Hamilton won through to only his second major final with another gritty triumph as he hit back from behind to see off Whitlock.

The 2007 Grand Slam of Darts finalist has already enjoyed the biggest pay-day of his career with a minimum guarantee of £100,000 prize money, and also moves up to at least seventh in the PDC Order of Merit.

"I'm delighted to be in the final but the job's not done yet," said the 44-year-old. "I've got one more game and there's no reason why I can't win.

"It's about getting stuck in and fighting now."

Hamilton returned to living in Stoke earlier this year following a spell in Derby, and revealed that part of the reason was to be closer to his father, who is battling cancer and has inspired his run to the final at Alexandra Palace.

"This is for him," he added. "It's been a hard time and it has given me a lot of inspiration, but I hope it lifts his spirits and gives him a bit of strength.

"He will be watching on TV, and when I get home we will have a good party.

"If I can take that trophy back home and have my picture taken together with my dad holding it, that would be a lasting memory."

Click here for Semi-Final Photo Gallery

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