Mervyn King finishes runner-up again at Purfleet

Mervyn King moves up from sixth to fourth in the world rankings

Mervyn King missed out on his first PDC title in Sunday's Players Championship final defeat by Paul Nicholson, who had knocked out world champion Phil Taylor.

The 43-year-old from Bradwell, who lost 13-10 to Aussie Nicholson, is now fourth in the world rankings despite his third PDC final defeat.

King knocked world number three James Wade out in the first round in Essex.

He beat Jelle Klassen, Wayne Jones and Colin Osborne in his run to Sunday's final at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet.

Since joining the PDC in 2007, King has been runner-up in the 2008 Championship League, the 2009 Premier League, and now the 2010 Players Championship too.

"My game and mentality are there to be a winner," he said. "Hopefully on another day the title will be mine.

"Paul's a good friend and it was hard to play against him.

"I'm a little bit gutted because I feel I saved my worst game for the final.

"I tried my best but it didn't quite happen and Paul took advantage."