Phil Taylor became the first sporting champion of the new millennium when he defeated Dennis Priestley in the final of the World Darts Championship at Purfleet's Circus Tavern last night.

Despite not quite playing at his best, Taylor still easily saw off a spirited challenge from Priestley, taking his eighth world crown after a 7-3 win.

Taylor had looked threatened when Priestley was only 3-2 behind, but `The Power' reeled off four of the next five sets to seal an historic victory.

The champagne bottles were taken out of the ice bucket as Taylor crossed the finishing line with a clinical 12-dart finish to take the 10th set and the championship.

After his victory Taylor said: "That was very special. I think that one is going to go down in the history books. I'm absolutely drained. I've never worked so hard for £30,000."

A disappointed Priestley said: "Taylor has not played like he can and if I had really got stuck in I might have won. I know he is human but everybody out there thinks he is super human."