BUDWEISER UK Open champion Phil Taylor believes Ricky Hatton will be "gutted" that he missed his memorable nine-dart finish at the Reebokon Sunday night (June12).

The 44-year-old was at ringside last weekend as Hatton defeated the great Kostya Tszyu to win the IBF light-welterweight crown.

It was Taylor's turn to take centre stage last night - and he delivered by defeating Mark Walsh to win this tournament for the second time in three years.

Iit will best be remembered for his third televised nine-dart finish - the equivalent of a 147 break in snooker - against defending champion Roland Scholten in their semi-final showdown.

Hatton is currently away enjoying a well-deserved break, but he has been in contact with his family to find out how "The Power" has been getting on at the Reebok Stadium.

"Ricky's been phoning home to find out how I have been doing," said Taylor, who clinched a 13-7 victory over Walsh after impressive wins over John Part, Chris Mason and Scholten earlier in the day.

"He will be gutted now that he has missed the nine-darter.

"He has gone on holiday - I could do with one myself, but I don't think it's going to happen."

Speaking about his magical feat, he added: "It's a bit of history for me. I thought I was going to do another nine-darter on stage last night, but I didn't have that extra kick to move up another gear."

Taylor now has the Grand Slam in his sights after winning the World Championship, Premier League and UK Open.

But he will have to be successful at the Las Vegas Desert Classic and World Matchplay in Blackpool to give himself a chance of completing the full set at the World Grand Prix in October.

THERE were early exits for our two local players in the Budweiser British Open.

Although Steve Coote and Paul Williams won their third round games, they were both well beaten in the fourth. Williams went down 8-1 to Chris Mason and Coote was beaten 8-3 by Peter Manley.

In the earlier round, Coote beat Eddie Lovely 5-4 , with Williams taking care of Graeme Stoddart 5-3.