RUSSELL STEWART has won the 2008 DPA Oceanic Masters, earning himself a place in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The 48-year-old Australian defeated former champion Brian Roach to claim the title with an 8-4 triumph, having defeated former World Championship qualifiers Warren Parry and Barry Jouannet in the event.
Stewart, who played 11 times in the BDO World Championship between 1984 and 2002, will return to the televised stage in the sport's biggest tournament in December, where he will compete for the £125,000 first prize at Alexandra Palace.
His semi-final win over Parry avenged his loss to the Kiwi in the 2007 Oceanic Masters final, while he lost to Mitchell Clegg in the last four two years ago.
"I've been chasing this one for a while now and I'm very pleased," said Stewart.
"It isn't getting any easier on the Australian darts circuit, there is so much youth and talent coming through now.
"Just to make the money rounds now in any event is a challenge in itself, let alone win a major tournament and I am very proud of winning the Oceanic Masters.
"I'll look forward to meeting up with many old friends at Alexandra Palace at Christmas and competing in the World Championship."
Clegg was a last 32 loser, while Steve Macarthur, who played in last year's World Championship, lost in a deciding leg to Roach in the semis.
2008 DPA Oceanic Masters
Last 32
Phil Bottrell 5-1 Preston Ridd
Dave McKay 5-2 Rod Neeson
Tommy Hyland 5-4 Tony Crampton
Steve Macarthur 5-2 Richard Te Where
Rod Crawford 5-0 John Forslund
Arnel Galvez 5-0 Colin Barrett
Anthony Reed 5-1 Ron Robinson
Brian Roach 5-3 Bernie Smith
Bill Keogh 5-4 Mitchell Clegg
Warren Parry 5-3 Dean McGladdery
Pete Corcoran 5-2 John Clark
Craig Strooisma 5-1 Dave Fitzpatrick
Daniel Sim 5-4 Jerry Weyman
Russell Stewart 5-3 Barry Jouannet
Phil Hazell 5-2 Paul Neighbour
Wayne Brown 5-2 Kevin Luland
Last 16
Phil Bottrell 6-5 Dave McKay
Steve Macarthur 5-4 Tommy Hyland
Arnel Galvez def Rod Crawford
Brian Roach 6-5 Anthony Reed
Warren Parry def Bill Keogh
Pete Corcoran 6-3 Craig Strooisma
Russell Stewart 6-3 Daniel Sim
Phil Hazell 6-2 Wayne Brown
Quarter-Finals
Steve Macarthur 7-6 Phil Bottrell
Brian Roach 7-5 Arnel Galvez
Warren Parry 7-4 Pete Corcoran
Russell Stewart 7-4 Phil Hazell
Semi-Finals
Brian Roach 7-6 Steve Macarthur
Russell Stewart 7-5 Warren Parry
Final
Russell Stewart 8-4 Brian Roach