EVEN a match average of 108 was not enough to give Dymock darts player Steve 'The Hustler' Pearson victory over World number one Phil Taylor.

Steve (pictured) took on 'Phil The Power' at the UK Open Qualifier in Barnsley on Saturday.

He lost the match 6-3 but gave his illustrious opponent a few scares.

Steve said: "It was 4-3 at one point and I had him rattled. He slapped his thigh and swore and I thought to myself 'you've finally arrived'.

"He jumped up in the air when he beat me.

"With that average I'd have beaten most players but this is Phil, and he averaged 118.

"I was probably only two or three key darts from winning the match, but Phil kept nicking legs with his last dart when I was waiting on a double."

Steve beat Paul Burham 6-3 to earn his clash with Taylor. He averaged 98 in that match, which was chalked by Terry Jenkins.