Darts: Disappointing final fails to spoil incredible tournament

Adrian Lewis sealed his second straight world title at Alexandra Palace

Usually, the final comes to define the tournament that preceded it.

However, there was so much drama, excitement and incredible action at this year's PDC World Darts Championship that it was almost impossible for Adrian Lewis and Andy Hamilton to better what had gone before.

This was the tournament that had it all: wasp stings, gusts of wind, unbelievable comebacks, controversy over girlfriends, broken legs, shocks aplenty and cracking darts.

The final between Lewis and Hamilton turned out to be a case of after the Lord Mayor's show, but that seemed almost irrelevant given the entertainment served up in the rounds before it.

Darts is getting bigger and bigger and its popularity is sure to have reached new heights now.

There was a dramatic story from almost every night of action, starting with the first session where Mark Webster was edged out by Richie Burnett and Lewis had to come from 2-0 down to overcome Nigel Heydon after being stung by a wasp.

Lewis beat Hamilton in the final 7-3, but both had clearly reached their peak earlier in the tournament.

Lewis averaged just over 93 and Hamilton just over 90, at least five points down on their tournament averages.

Perhaps it was the occasion that got to them, perhaps it was just tiredness after their semi-final dogfights.

There was the odd flash of brilliance from both players but overall their performances were disappointing, which was a shame after such a dramatic tournament.

Lewis was booed by the crowd for much of the tournament

Many observers have claimed it was the best darts tournament in history, and it is hard to argue with that.

There were so many fantastic games and talking points, none more so than early exits for legends Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.

Taylor's second round loss to Dave Chisnall was a further signal players are not scared of the 15-time world champion anymore, although it would be foolish to write him off just yet.

It is not so long since he was sweeping everyone aside at the Grand Slam of Darts, and it is almost certain he will bounce back at the upcoming World Cup and Premier League.

Chisnall failed to capitalise on his triumph and lost 4-0 in the next round to Hamilton, who had himself been fortunate to beat Antonio Alcinas in the opening round.

The Spaniard played magnificently but so did Hamilton, with the 3-2 victory presumably giving him the belief to go all the way.

Also in the first round, last year's losing finalist Gary Anderson should have lost to German Jyhan Artut before eventually winning a last leg shoot-out.

Simon Whitlock played fantastically despite having a broken ankle and got to the semi-finals, where he ran into a determined Hamilton in the form of his life.

There were too many great games to mention them all, but the quarter-final between James Wade and John Part will go down as one of the best ever played at Alexandra Palace.

Wade overcame Part after a titanic tussle

Part showed his trademark character and doggedness to force a final set and eventually a deciding leg, but Wade pulled through with an 85 checkout to seal a magnificent win.

The semi-finals summed up the tournament.

The first, between Whitlock and Hamilton, was a see-saw battle between two players in great form and deserved to go all the way.

Hamilton came from 5-3 down to beat the Australian 6-5 in the latest installment of what is becoming an intriguing rivalry between the two.

In Blackpool at the World Matchplay last summer, Hamilton came from 15-8 down to beat Whitlock 16-15, and that may have played on the Australian's mind as Hamilton got close to him at Alexandra Palace.

In the other semi-final, Lewis produced an even greater comeback to derail James Wade.

Wade - widely recognised as the greatest player never to win a world title - was 5-1 up only for the reigning champion to win five straight sets and take the match 6-5, showing that Lewis has such extreme confidence in his ability now that no situation is irretrievable.

The match also saw controversy, with a 20 minute delay due to a breeze coming across the stage.

Lewis and Wade were both unhappy with the playing conditions

The players were well within their rights to walk off until the problem was solved, and if anything it just added to the drama.

The tournament had seen almost everything before that, so it was only fitting there was one last surreal moment to cap off the drama.

This tournament also saw a number of players come of age, and those men will be more difficult to beat as a result of it.

Hamilton is the most obvious one, as he played the best darts of his career and reached his first world final.

Lewis will obviously be an even greater force now he has retained his world title, and it is hard to argue against his prediction he will win at least 10 World Championships.

He was barracked throughout the tournament for the arrogance he showed in pre and post-match interviews, but he won the title as he said he would and deserves respect for that.

His statements were disrespectful and breathtakingly arrogant, but he is likely to be even more bumptious next year.

Belgium's Kim Huybrechts also looks a real talent, with his unexpected run to the quarter-final again underlining the strength in depth of the PDC.

His girlfriend caused quite a stir in his match against Paul Nicholson, with the Geordie-Aussie blaming his defeat on the repeated appearances of her on the big screen.

Huybrechts' girlfriend Dana was one of the stories of the championship

John Part now looks back to his best and will be a contender for majors again, while youngsters like Michael van Gerwen and Devon Petersen underlined their potential with impressive displays.

What the tournament did prove is that there will be life after Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld for darts.

A few years ago, the sport was reliant on them but there are so many great players and characters now that darts' popularity will continue regardless.

The fact Taylor and van Barneveld were barely mentioned after their early exits shows there was never a dull moment in this World Championship, the tournament which just kept delivering.

There are several matches from this year's tournament which will go down as some of the best in darts history, and it all whets the appetite for the Premier League.

Taylor, Wade, Anderson and Lewis have already secured their places, while the four wildcards will be announced tonight.

World finalists Lewis and Hamilton should renew their rivalry in the Premier League

Hamilton and Whitlock should be certainties after their World Championships performances, while van Barneveld is likely to win a place due to his legendary status.

The further place could go to anybody, but arguably Nicholson should get it due to his 'bad boy' image and lack of respect for big-name players.

The World Championships will be some act to follow but the quality of darts is so high it is very hard to see the Premier League not delivering.

Lewis will go into it ultra-confident after defending his world title, but Taylor will still be the man to beat as he is still the best player in the world.

Darts is on a high and in truth, anyone could win the Premier League.

The opening fixtures can't come soon enough.