Amid the debate that continued to rage over Ebdon's slow play in unravelling O'Sullivan's concentration and rhythm to turn quarter-final arrears of 8-2 into a 13-11 victone, one point is inescapable: the referee is the sole judge of fair and unfair play.
But he spent his last years in arrears, reclusivity, court cases, and tabloid headlines.
The Russian, who slowed in the final 10m, was only 0.56sec in arrears and, having already beaten Meadows this year, remains a very strong candidate for the title.
A final flourish saw Whitlock reduce the arrears to 6-3, buTayloror was not to be denied and secured the title in suitably majestic fashion, hitting treble 20, treble 13 and double 16 with his last three darts.
Robertson was in danger of defeat with a session to spare, but the Australian left-hander recovered to claim the final three frames and reduce his arrears to 14-10.
The players were forced from the field after only 26 overs of play with Somerset still 315 runs in arrears and facing the final-day task of pressing on to collect batting bonus points if the weather relents.
Australia began the final day on 84-2 - 291 in arrears - but as England pressed for the win, Laker continued to take wickets, while at the other end Lock bowled economically but without reward.
After another massive defensive effort they finally cracked when Johns forced his way over for a try which he also converted to reduce the arrears to 12 points going into the final quarter.
The flow of play suggested that Collingwood should have had a handy lead at the final change, but instead they found themselves narrowly in arrears to the reigning premier.
Shreck claimed 4-6 in 18 balls to dismiss the tail and force the hosts to follow on 173 runs in arrears with 79 overs to go on the final day.
But Wright soon bowled Kirby in the third over of the day to complete his five-for and Yorkshire bowler Oliver Hannon-Dalby took the final two wickets of Denly and Chris Rushworth to leave them 431 runs in arrears.
