Ardleigh darts king Bobby George bowed out of the Embassy World Professional Championships at Frimley Green in style.

George, 54, put up a brilliant fight before finally succumbing by three sets to two to number two seed Ronnie Baxter in a tie-break last night.

George, the sport's great entertainer, whipped the crowd into a frenzy as he took a two sets to one lead with some brilliant darts.

And after Baxter forced a deciding set, George led by two legs to nil before losing four in a row to allow Baxter the win.

George had a great chance to seal the match when he needed to hit 18 to allow a shot at the bullseye.

But instead he opted to go for double 18 to allow a shot at the easier double 16 - and missed.

George could also have taken the match to three legs all but missed three shots at his favourite double top - allowing Baxter to hit double two for the match.

Overall, however, the match was easily the best of the competition so far providing great entertainment for the capacity crowd and television audience - and acting as a great advert for the sport.

George said afterwards: "No complaints - he was just too good for me on the night."

In yesterday's other matches, number three seed Mervyn King, Colin Monk and Holland's Co Stompe all progressed to the quarter-finals.

Tonight Tiptree man Kevin Painter takes on fifth seed Ted Hankey in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere two of the tournament favourites, Andy Fordham and Chris Mason, also meet.

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