Dennis Priestley continued at the UK Open with a return to impressive form really first shown at the World Championships at the turn of the year. He went into a 4-0 lead against a lacklustre John Part and Part then picked up his game to make it 4-4. Part took out a 156 checkout to go ahead 5-4 and then Priestley brought the game back level to 6-6. Priestley then set himself up for a possible 9 darter with six perfect darts, but though that wasn't to be he did take the lead 7-6. Then it went to 7-7 after Priestley missed a dart for the match and Part won the deciding leg to win 8-7. Part through but great to see Priestley back and hitting six maxima during the match.