Nine-dart gift for ace Steve Farmer

Shropshire darter Steve Farmer has notched one of the highlights of his 25-year career – with his first ever competitive nine-dart finish on his 47th birthday.

Farmer, from Hadley in Telford, produced the darting Holy Grail of a perfect leg during his 6-1 first round victory over Andy Relf in a PDC UK Open qualifier in Barnsley on Saturday.

Successive 180s put Farmer on course for the magic moment and he held his nerve to take out a 141 finish with a treble 20, treble 19 and double 12.

"It was a great feeling and to do it on my birthday was even more special," said Farmer, who reached the last 16 of the PDC World Championship over Christmas.

"I almost did it a few weeks ago in my last tournament against Raymond van Barneveld when I hit seven perfect darts but missed the treble 19.

"I was determined I wasn't going to let the chance go and I knew that I would hit the double 12."

Farmer earned £400 for his milestone and will also receive an end-of-season trophy trophy at the annual presentation dinner in London.

"It could have been worth more because the nine-dart fund rolls over if nobody gets one in a tournament," added Farmer, who also has strong family connections in Church Stretton.

"Phil Taylor got two in as many days in Reading last time so there was no rollover. But it's not about the money and it's great to be part of the elite nine dart club."

Farmer, who earned an extra £600 for reaching the fourth round in Barnsley, joined the Professional Darts Corporation in 2010 after previously plying his trade with the rival British Darts Organisation.

He currently lies 37th in the world rankings and is next due to be in action back in Barnsley in a tournament double header on April 13 and 14.