Burnham’s Gary Anderson defeated 16-times world champion Phil Taylor in the final to win his first world title.

BURNHAM’S Gary Anderson won his first-ever darts world title - stunning 16-times champion Phil Taylor in the final.

Anderson showed tremendous mental strength to shrug off a mini-collapse which saw him surrender an early 3-1 lead to edge out legend Taylor 7-6.

With Taylor struggling to hit doubles in the bottom corner, coupled with heavy scoring from Anderson meant it was the Scottish-born Somerset player who left with the trophy and £250,000 first prize.

Anderson showed few signs of nerves early on with a double 20 rounding off a 120 finish. The two traded legs, but the Scot had the last laugh in the opening set, hitting the bull to go one up.

In a close match, the scores were level after eight sets. In the ninth set, Anderson inexplicably knocked out his opening two trebles of the set with his third dart to register a no score.

Two legs down, Anderson showed great heart to take the set. The 40-year-old threw his 60th 180 of the tournament before going 6-4 ahead and one set away from victory.

Taylor was one arrow away from a nine-darter at the start of the 11th before going on to win the set 3-0.

At two each, Anderson had a chance to see out the match, but he could not finish as Taylor levelled again to make it six sets each.

Anderson took the opening game of the decider, before Taylor again missed three double 16s before the Scot hit double 18.

Anderson hit a 180 to start the third leg before missing bull for victory. Left with 25, he hit one then double 12 to see out the match and complete a remarkable victory.