Hamilton ready to take chance

Giant-killer Andy Hamilton warned his work was not done when insisting he had a few more tricks up his sleeve at the World Matchplay in Blackpool (35/1 Hamilton – bet365 outright winner).

The 44-year-old produced one of the greatest darts comebacks on Friday at Winter Gardens when overturning a 15-8 deficit to win 17-15 and send a shell-shocked Simon Whitlock packing from the Golden Mile.

“At that point I just thought to myself just enjoy it and try and pinch a leg here or there and then all of a sudden I’m back in the game,” he said.

Whitlock missed five match darts under pressure and ‘The Hammer’ said he knew at that point he had ‘The Wizard of Oz’ on the ropes.

“He started missing doubles and when it got to 15-13 I started thinking ‘I’m going on to win this’,” added Hamilton.

Hamilton had already taken the prize scalp of Gary Anderson and the world number 17 insisted he had every chance against defending champion Phil Taylor in the semi-finals (1/25 Taylor 10/1 Hamilton – bet365 match prices).

“I need to improve on the start of my game but if I can start how I’m finishing I’m a force to be reckoned with,” he said.