Andrew Gilding claims first ProTour title at 442nd attempt at Players Championship 16

Former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding claimed his first ProTour title at his 442nd attempt by winning the Players Championship 16 event in Leicester.

Earlier six-time runner-up, Gilding defeated Jonny Clayton 8-3 in Wednesday’s final.

The 55-year-old Englishman hit a double 10 to seal the win, after leading 5-1 to claim the £15,000 top prize.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I can’t believe it,” Gilding said.

“I’ve played some great finals before. I remember Gary Anderson playing years ago, he averaged 112 and I averaged 107. But I finally got over the line.

“Your form ebbs and flows. You just have to be patient. I’ve started the season so well, I’m more or less fit for everything now.”