DARTS:Phil Taylor claimed the inaugural Grand Slam of Darts title - and a cheque for €111,000 - yesterday with an 18-11 victory over Andy Hamilton in Wolverhampton.

The 13-time world champion's

class told as he won nine successive legs to open up a 14-5 lead over an opponent playing in his first major final.

Hamilton fought back to 16-9, but he was left with too much to do and Taylor closed out victory.

"It means so much to me and I'm absolutely delighted," said Taylor last night. "I'm the first name on the trophy and if I never win it again I'm still there, the first. They can't take it away from me."