Darts maestro Baxter wins a major competition (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Darts maestro Baxter wins a major competition

RENOWNED darts professional Ronnie Baxter has followed up his disappointing demise in the recent world championships by notching up a convincing victory in the JP 128 Plus Open at Eastbourne.

Having defeated Wayne Mardle in the last eight of this event, held on the weekend before last, 43-year-old Baxter, the world's number six, took on Andy Smith, beating him five legs to two.

However, Baxter's victory didn't come easily as Smith was two legs to the two good before his rival was able to find his measure.

Once into his stride, 'The Rocket' ran away with it by taking the next five legs on the trot.

Facing Wayne Jones in the final, Baxter won the bull and clinch the first leg in 15 darts, taking out 128 in the process.

And the landlord of the Brewers Arms in Cricklade Street sailed away with the second leg, also in 15 darts, with a 106 checkout.

After getting himself in a winning mode, Baxter powered on and Jones could only stand and admire as The Rocket finished on top of the third with another 15-dart win.

Attempting to unsettle his opponent, Jones fought back in the fourth by hitting double 18 to reduce the deficit to 1-3.

Baxter, though, was having none of it and took the fifth leg, leaving his rival some 66 in arrears.

With Jones now thoroughly demoralised, the sixth leg proved just a formality, the delighted Cirencester player finishing on double ten to claim the honours and the JP 128 Plus Open trophy.