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Honour in defeat

John Gwynne
28/ 7/2005

MARK Holden picked up a cool £1,250 and 12 precious PDC ranking points when he reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Bobby Bourn Memorial Classic in Blackpool last Saturday.

The Apple and Pear licensee fell for the second time in a matter of weeks to Phil Taylor who went on to win the contest.

Holden beat the talented James Wade 3-1 then overcame top lady player Deta Hedman 3-0.

He impressed in beating Wolverhampton hot-shot Wayne Jones in the third round before squeezing home 3-2 against recent UK runner-up Mark Walsh.

It was by the odd game in five that the Alkrington ace beat Mark Dudbridge in a quarter-final, but he then found Taylor a different proposition.

Holden said: "It's an honour to be playing against him, but it would be nice to miss him now and again."

Holden's Alkrington team will be in Greater Manchester Super League Division Two action on Sunday. They visit Little Hulton.