Kevin Painter (15)

  • Last Updated: January 24 2013, 14:37 GMT

The last 12 months have been comparatively lean for Kevin Painter, but whatever happens for the rest of his career he can always call himself a major winner.

Kevin Painter: Has reached the world final once before
Kevin Painter: Has reached the world final once before

Until December 2010, Painter remained best known for his involvement in one of the most epic World Championship finals ever.

'The Artist' led 4-1 in the 2004 showpiece but was pegged back and eventually the match went to a sudden death leg after finishing 6-6 in sets and 5-5 in legs. Taylor emerged with the win in the longest televised darts match ever.

Fact box

  • Date of birth: 12.07.67
  • Birthplace: Billericay
  • Nickname: The Artist
  • Major titles: Players' Championship Final (once)
  • World Championship best: Runner-up (once)
  • Walk-on music: I Predict A Riot

But having come back from 9-6 down against Scott Rand in the semi-finals of the 2010 Cash Converters Players Championship final in Doncaster, Painter beat Mark Webster 13-9 to claim the £60,000 first prize - and his first televised title.

A UK Open semi-final appearance in 2009 was his best there while a run to the World Matchplay quarter-finals 12 months later hinted at a return to form.

And since taking the Players Championship title, he has finished seventh in his debut Premier League campaign and matched his career-best quarter-final appearance in the Grand Slam.