YORK darts ace Chris Thompson failed last night in his bid to win a trip to the finals of a £100,000 competition.

He was knocked out in the semi-finals of the North East final of the Paddy Power World Grand Prix at South Shields. After winning his first round match 3-1 Thompson then lost 3-1 to ex-England international Doug McCarthy, of Durham, in the last four of the tournament.

Thompson, who is sponsored by his employers Corries Solicitors, of York, plays locally for Britannia in the Unique Pub Company League and for Sun Inn, Acomb, in York John Smith's League. His next major competition is the North of England Open next month.

The Paddy Power event final is in Dublin from October 22-24, with the winners of the eight regional finals taking their places alongside the top 24 Professional Darts Council ranked players.

Updated: 12:19 Thursday, September 27, 2001