It took a display of character and courage as Anastasia Dobromyslova won the World Title for a second time with a brilliant display.
Ana was a set down to No.1 seed Deta Hedman and staring defeat in the face, but found the will to win and silence the critics!
Despite missing a stack of doubles, she found the finishing when it mattered and took the crown by 2 sets to 1 – and with it a cheque for £10,000.
It will go down a massive personal triumph for Team Unicorn’s Russian ace – against all the odds – after just 10 months back in the BDO.
“It has been a long road for me but this makes all the sacrifices worthwhile,” she said.
Ana dedicated the win to her family and to her cousin Olga, who sadly died recently.
“It has been an emotional time for lots of reasons,” she added.
After her semi-final win over Trina Gulliver, Anastasia fired a broadside at some of the BDO officials and after claiming her second World Championship, she was in no mood for forgiveness.
“I don’t care and never will. I worked so very hard for this and for all those who have a problem with the fact that I played in the PDC....tough....this is my job and I would like to thank Unicorn again for all the support and for sticking by me. I am very grateful.”
Anastasia made a nervous start to the final as she lost the first set to Hedman.....Incredibly, Ana missed 15 darts at doubles in that opening set alone, including four to win it.
And Hedman pounced as she took out 82.
At this stage it didn’t look too good, because Deta hit a 180 at the start of the second set.....but Anastasia is a battler and she fought back to lead 2-1 in the set despite only four doubles from 26 attempts.
Hedman took out 100 to break back and she was then throwing for the title.....but the Unicorn star had other ideas.....and despite just wiring ‘tops’ for 120 finish, she did nail D5 under enormous pressure, to win the set and level the match.
There was no stopping Anastasia now!
Deta missed six darts to break throw at the start of the deciding set and with it, her World Championship hopes disappeared, because she didn’t get another chance.
Ana took out D16, then a terrific 78 finish and the icing on the celebration cake when the Russian – cool as you like – hit the bull for a 90 check-out to be crowned World Champion.
The 27-year-old, who lives in Ellesmere Port with husband Tony Martin, has been in the zone all tournament after her victories over Julie Gore and Trina Gulliver.
But the way she held it all together was mightily impressive as she won the title to add to here 2008 success at the Lakeside.
“I just kept thinking ‘come on’ don’t let all the hard work go to waste. I got angry with myself and it spurred me on.”
She certainly deserves all the success....and maybe she has just put herself in contention for a place at the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts....watch this space!
But what an achievement!
Anastasia Dobromyslova......WORLD CHAMPION
By STUART PYKE
Photo courtesy Chris Sargeant