DORCHESTER taekwondo star Aaron Cook made it a hat-trick of -80kg European titles thanks to a dramatic victory over British rival Damon Sansum in Baku, Azerbaijan today.

Cook, 23, clinched his third successive crown with a golden point after the final had ended 12-12 at the end of the third round.

Sansum held a 3-1 advantage after the first round but Cook fought back and the scores were tied at 8-8 as the final round began.

“I’m really happy to have won as it was a tough battle,” said Cook, who competes for the Isle of Man.

“I’m in good form and really delighted to get some valuable ranking points on the road to Rio.”

Sansum had got the better of Cook in last year’s French Open final so was understandably downbeat following today’s bout.

He said: “Golden point is not the best way to lose a final. I thought it was going to be my day.

“I performed as well as I think I ever have, with 12-point finishes in three of my five fights and beating the world champion on the way. I felt nobody could deal with me in the ring.”