Determined Colin Monk became the new Daily Echo Hampshire Open champion after a dogged display of darts at the weekend.

The Basingstoke builder worked his way through a record entry to claim the £1,000 winner's purse at Southampton's Novotel with victory over Welsh international John Roberts in the final.

In just four years the competition has become the biggest and most popular county open in the country and that made victory even sweeter for the former World Master and two-times Embassy semi-finalist.

"Hampshire means a lot to me and I felt I had a bit on my shoulders in some ways," he said.

"I am an honest man and really I should have gone out on a couple of occasions. I didn't play that well apart from the semi-final when I really was on fire."

The competition attracted more than 400 players of all abilities from across the country and again gave pub and club players the opportunity to rub shoulders and toe the oche with internationals.

Sky television regular Peter Evison struggled to 3-2 leg wins on several occasions before going out to Devon's Trevor Perry and Professional Darts Corporation player Alex Roy was beaten by former Hampshire county man Gareth Evans.

Embassy players Paul Hogan, Bob Aldous and Steve Alker also fell while rising star James Wade from Aldershot failed to turn up.

Defending champion Hogan, who lost out in the quarter-finals, said: "I am so disappointed. I really wanted to win this again and was playing so well. I just had one off game and that was it. I'm gutted."

Several of Monk's early games went to the wire. With defeat staring him in the face he eventually checked out on double one in the last 32 stage and, with his opponent waiting to throw for the match, a timely 105 shot-out put him into the semi-finals where he faced PDC player Alan Caves over the best of seven legs.

"That was about the best I played all day," said Monk after beating Caves.

"Lady luck shone on me several times today but I didn't need to rely on that in the semis.

"It's certainly not easy. People expect you to win but there are plenty who want you to trip up as well. I am proud of Hampshire and wanted to do well."

Monk's accuracy deserted him in the opening legs of the final against former Welsh captain Roberts.

Monk had first throw advantage in the best of nine legs match and looked favourite to go ahead as he raced to a finish. But his doubles let him down and Roberts struck before going two legs in front.

Experience - not Lady Luck - came to Monk's rescue after that. He held his throw to get back to 2-1, took the darts off Roberts to level and then reeled off another three straight wins to become champion.

"It wasn't the best start but once I got in front I felt that I was going to win it," added Monk.

The event was staged by the Hampshire Darts Organisation and spokesman Frank Branscombe was delighted with the way it went.

"This is certainly the best county open around. I suppose having a local winner is a bonus for the area but it is really attracting a lot of very good players."

RESULTS:

Last 32: Dennis Murrell bt Steve Alker, Trevor Perry bt Colin Philpott, Gareth Evans bt Gary Collis, Terry Hayes bt Brett Raven, John Roberts bt Steve Phipps, Rick Lowther bt Eddie Simmonds, John Cooper bt Bob Crawley, Paul Hogan bt Joe Pawley, Michael Symes bt Aaron turner, Trevor Smith bt Pierre Turner, Paul Clarkson bt Sam Rooney, Alan Caves bt John Burbidge, Alex Clyburn bt Ian Critchett, Colin Monk bt Mark Hiscock, Doogie Ralph bt Peter Rice, John Haines bt Mick Cookman.

Last 16: Perry bt Alker, Hayes bt Evans, Roberts bt Lowther, Hogan bt Cooper, Symes bt Smith, Caves bt Clarkson, Monk bt Clyburn, Haines bt Ralph.

Quarter-finals: Hayes bt Perry, Roberts bt Hogan, Caves bt Symes, Monk bt Haines.

Semi-finals: Roberts bt Hayes, Monk bt Caves.

Final: Monk bt Roberts.