It later emerged that she had accepted the 70th and last place into the rival PDC World Championship, replacing an Indian qualifier.

Hoenselaar, a five-time runner-up, won her first world title by beating Gulliver – the player that had beaten her each time – by two sets to one.

The opening match of the 2009 world championships was between top seed Gary Anderson and Norway's Robert Wagner.

Tony O'Shea defeated Sweden's Daniel Larsson 3–0, while Darryl Fitton, the 5th seed, beat Mark Salmon 3–0 without dropping a leg.

The opening match saw Mark Webster begin the defence of his title and he beat Holland's Willy van de Wiel.

Former World Darts Trophy champion Gary Robson overcame Stephen Bunting 3–1 in a match where he averaged 98.

2000 World Champion Ted Hankey saw off Scotland's Ross Montgomery 4–1 whilst number six seed Gary Robson saw off Martin Atkins 4–1.

Tony O'Shea reached the semi-finals of the World Championships for the second time in his career as he beat the number one seed Gary Anderson 5–3.

Darryl Fitton came from 4–1 down to beat World Masters runner-up Scott Waites and set up a semi-final clash with fellow native of Stockport, O'Shea.

In the women's championship, both Trina Gulliver and Francis Hoenselaar gained 2–0 wins to set up their sixth final against one another.