LOCAL darts star Ryan Searle is up to eighth in the world rankings - and £200,000 richer - after his brilliant performance in the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.

Searle, who played in the Wellington Darts League for nearly ten years before his career took off, reached the semi-finals at the Palace before losing 6-1 to the eventual winner, 18-year-old sensation Luke Littler who retained his title after beating Dutchman Gian van Veen 7-1 in the final.

The 38-year-old Searle, who was supported by his partner Sophie, two children, and other members of his family, told me: “I felt really nervous in the semi-final - there was a lot of pressure which I’m not used to. I didn’t feel comfortable at any stage because Luke is so good. He is something else.”

Searle, who dropped only two sets before playing Littler, made a bright start by winning the opening set 3-2 against the champion.

He lost the second, which he could have won with better finishing, and third sets 3-1 before Littler turned on the style to win the next three sets 3-0, 3-0 and 3-2, outscoring his opponent and showing his class throughout.

Searle, who took home £200,000 in prizemoney, his biggest ever cheque, reached the semi-finals by winning five matches in convincing style.

A record 128 players qualified to play in the tournament - an increase of 32 on the previous year - and the televised event was held over Christmas and the New Year. The tournament carried prizemoney of £5 million, with Littler winning £1 million, and van Veen taking home £400,000.

Searle, who began playing in the Wellington League as a 19-year-old, was ranked 20th in the world before the World Championship got under way, having never reached the last-four in previous World Championships.