STUART Kellett matched his biggest career pay-day to date after reaching the final of the PDC’s UK Masters on Sunday.

The Northwich thrower lost to three-time world champion John Part, from Canada, but still took home a £10,000 prize for finishing as runner-up in Minehead.

“It’s amazing,” said Kellett, a former World Masters runner-up.

“I’ve still got a full time job but I want to go full time in darts so that I can fulfil what I want to do and hopefully this is a stepping stone to doing that.

“I’ve shown what I can do this weekend, so hopefully I’ll keep it going now and kick on from here.”

The 31-year-old, appearing in his first PDC final after joining the circuit little more than a year, ago  hit double eight and then took out 122 as he claimed two of the opening three legs, also landing double ten to lead 3-2 before Part began his charge.

The Canadian hit a 180 as he levelled in leg six, broke throw with a superb 13-darter and then hit a maximum and double ten to move 5-3 up and to the brink of victory.

Kellett hit tops to stay in the game in the ninth leg after Part missed double 12 for a 144 finish which would have given him victory, but when the Cheshire thrower missed four darts to force a decider he took out 78 in two darts to complete the triumph and earn the £20,000 first prize.

“Fair play to John,” added Kellett, who impressed throughout the weekend, whitewashing Peter Wright in Friday's first round before overcoming Colin Lloyd, Dave Chisnall, Robert Thornton and Andy Hamilton to reach the final.

“He took his chances and for the first time this weekend I missed my doubles, but I'd have settled for getting to the final.”