Dennis Priestley maintained his unbeaten start to the Holsten Premier League with an 8-5 win over Colin Lloyd.
The 56-year-old Yorkshireman went into his "home" appearance in front of over 5,000 fans at the Hallam FM Arena a point clear at the top of the table, and ensured he would stay there with a quality display.
Buoyed by the vocal support, Priestley - who had a mere ten-mile journey from his Mexborough home to the venue - opened up an early 2-0 lead to leave Lloyd behind.
The former World Matchplay champion hit back with legs of 14 and 16 darts to square matters, before Priestley took out a quality 117 to edge back in front.
Though Lloyd levelled the game going into the break, it was Priestley who returned in better form to move 5-3 up without his opponent having a shot at the double.
Legs of 13 and 11 darts kept Lloyd in the game at 6-5, but Priestley's clinical finishing allowed him to take out 120 and 113 to take a fourth win of the campaign - as well as leave Lloyd at the foot of the table.
"I'm a very proud Yorkshireman to see this crowd, but a very relieved Yorkshireman too after that!" said Priestley.
"To perform in front of this crowd was difficult for me so it must have been extremely hard for Colin. I've every sympathy for him".
"He probably outscored me but I took some high finishes out and got the result."
Priestley admitted he was overwhelmed by the reception his local crowd gave him, and added: "I was nearly in tears when I got on stage, it was absolutely fantastic."
Courtesy Planet Darts
