Qualifiers find entrant for UK Open

Outsider Steve Clews walked away from Rileys Sports Bar in Wolverhampton dreaming of a showdown with fellow Stoke star Phil 'the Power' Taylor.

After winning the regional heat to qualify for the UK Open yesterday afternoon, Clews is the wild card at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium on July 16.

And Clews could come across the big boys, including last year's winner and current PDC world champion Adrian Lewis, after coming No 1 in a field of 98 darters on the day.

The 43-year-old beat Telford's Andy Roberts 3-1 in the semi-finals to make the cut and is ready for all comers after making the big show.

He said "I'll take on anybody. Bring on Bolton. I feel I have as much chance as anybody."

The UK Open sees 128 players compete in a single elimination tournament to be crowned champion where, because there are no seedings for the pro players, the minnows can come against the big boys at any time, with a random draw taking place after each round.

Phil Taylor is the current holder of the title, after beating Gary Anderson in the final of last year's tournament to earn the £40,000 winner's prize money.