THE World Match Play provided plenty of thrills for darts fans and exchange punters this week with Phil Taylor the surprise early faller in the quarter finals as he was beaten by John Part 16-11.

That was despite being matched as just 1.03 following an unconvincing win over his pal Dennis Priestley in the last 16.

Taylor had remained unbeaten in Blackpool for over five years, but Part allowed no room for sentiment as he sent the world’s best packing. Taylor had been backed at 1.18 to win the tournament but his defeat allowed Cohn Lloyd to win the title as he saw off John Part in the final.

The football season got underway again in Scotland on Saturday, with Celtic immediately making headlines as they were held to a 4-4 draw at Motherwell
The Bhoys were 1.43 pre-match favourites, but were matched at just 1.03 as John Hartson completed a first half hat-trick to lead 3-1.

Motherwell traded at 290 to win the match at this stage - something which looked much more likely by the 84th minute as they found themselves leading 4-3.
The Hoops weren’t finished though as Craig Beattie scored a last gasp equaliser - much to the anguish of Motherwell backers who had been matched at just 1.08!
That result has left punters in little doubt as to who will win the SPL this season, as Rangers crushed ten-man Livingston 3-0 at Ibrox.

The Gers’ are already as short as 1.47, with Celtic out to 3.0 for the title.

There was another major Big Brother eviction shock on Friday night as Orlaith survived the public vote against Kemal despite trading at just 1.16 to leave the house.

With literally seconds to go, Orlaith was still trading at just 1.24 to be evicted, with Kemal a 4.9 outsider to leave the house - but it was he who Davina called to leave.
Finally, fans of in-running racing betting were dealt a warning as Passion Fruit came from the back to win at Thirsk on Friday.

The filly was matched at the maximum 1000.0 during the race, with one lucky punter matching £7 to ensure an excellent day at the office.