Phil Taylor suffered another sudden-death defeat by old rival Raymond van Barneveld but grinned: “For once in my life, I didn't mind losing.”
Just as he was pipped 7-6 by Barney at the Circus Tavern 13 years ago, the 'Power' was pipped by the same score in the pair's unique challenge match in their own living rooms 350 miles apart.
But after helping to raise £15,000 for the NHS Heroes charity, Taylor was content simply to play his part in a high-scoring classic which broke sport's quarantine under the Covid-19 lockdown.
And the 16-times world champion said: “Where we were rivals, now we are good mates – and this is probably the only game I've ever played where winning or losing didn't matter.
“It's important that the whole country gets behind the NHS during this crisis, and I'm happy to do my little bit.
“If you've got a few bob going spare, get your hand in your pocket – you will soon get it back when this is all over and we're back at work.”
In a contest of extortionate quality, Taylor was cruising towards victory at 6-3 up over the best of 13 legs, only for Barney to reel off four legs without reply.
Van Barneveld clinched his dramatic victory on the bullseye, finishing with an astonishing average of 120.12 and 87 per cent strike rate on checkouts.
Taylor, who averaged 119.02, hit 10 maximum 180s and Barney added five more, meaning sponsors Paddy Power will chip in £15,000 after promising £1,000 per 180 scored.
And as if the old rivals had not rolled back the years enough, Barney came within a whisker of decorating the Target Nexus board with a perfect nine-dart leg – but he missed double 12.
To give the occasion an authentic flavour, Sky Sports darts presenter Dave Clark hosted the coverage on the sponsors' social media channels, while regular Professional Darts Corporation master of ceremonies John McDonald introduced the players' walk-ons from kitchen to living room.
Taylor, who won 61 of his 83 contests with Barney before the pair retired, was playing at home in his bungalow in the Potteries, while the Dutchman was at his apartment in Holland.
The PDC are planning to resume their suspended Premier League campaign on July 30 in Birmingham.
Eight more nights have been rearranged, with the play-off finals moved from London to Sheffield on October 15, as Michael van Gerwen defends the second-richest prize in darts.
