Fan swipes trophy at World Darts Championship Final as Michael Van Gerwen wins second title

A fan snatched the World Darts Championship trophy and ran across the stage as Michael Van Gerwen prepared to throw for the title on Monday evening.

The Dutchman was leading holder Gary Anderson 6-2 in the best of 13 sets final when a supporter darted across his line of fire with the silverware aloft.

Alexandra Palace security staff were quickly on the scene and wrestled back the Sid Waddell trophy, returning it to its stand before leading the invader away.

Van Gerwen wobbled briefly and conceded the subsequent set before going on to win a second world crown and clinching the £300,000 winners' cheque.

Speaking after the final, the Dutchman said: "That was a bit sad to be fair.

"I think during the game I was in full concentration and it was a bad moment for me.

"You've always got people like that trying to be funny.

"Maybe he wanted to give me the trophy. That's very nice of him but he's not allowed to do that!"

PDC chief executive Matt Porter added: “It was an unfortunate incident that was dealt with swiftly.

“Regrettably, there is no legal recourse, but he will be banned for life from all future Matchroom events.”