Taylor rocks Blackpool with his eleventh Matchplay title
It was another case of déjà vu for Phil Taylor, the 11th time to be exact, as he once again reigned supreme in the StanJames.com World Matchplay in Blackpool, after a convincing 18-12 victory over Raymond van Barneveld in Sunday's final.
Taylor’s victory was his third successive Matchplay title at Blackpool, his 11th in total, and pocketed £100,000 in doing so, meaning his career earnings are now approaching £4million. The Power now holds every single major title on the PDC circuit and continues to leave all other competitors trailing in his wake.
"I'm absolutely ecstatic," Taylor told Sky Sports in the wake of his victory.
"I love this tournament and no matter how many times I win it it's a tremendous feeling to get hold of this trophy. Listen, I really don't care what people think about me, whether they love me or whether they hate me but I'm on top of the world [and] I'm loving every minute of it.
“I'm 50 years old next month, and I'm champion of the world. Barney gave me a great game but I've worked really hard to prepare for this. I love it when Barney challenges me and his career is back on track, so he's got to see this week as a positive.
"I love this tournament, I love being in Blackpool and I scrapped my heart out to keep this title.”
Despite the usual brilliance from the Power, the hugely awaited battle with a rejuvenated van Barneveld failed to live-up to the pre-match hype, with consistent scoring outweighing spectacular check-outs. But Taylor always had the edge and stole the initiative with a pair of 100-plus finishes mid-way through the match when Barney was one double away from drawing level. From then on, the Dutchman seemed to flounder under the pressure of the chase while Taylor cruised through the gears to put a rather shiny gloss on what was, for the best part of 20 legs, a fairly even final.
The popular Dutchman had been absent from the sport since his disappointing show in the Premier League where he finished sixth and failed to reach the finals night. But the break has seemed to rejuvenate Barney, and he hit a remarkable nine-dart finish on his way to last night’s final. He couldn’t quite re-produce that magic against Taylor though, and he was the first to congratulate the champion on yet another amazing achievement.
"He never seemed to miss doubles," van Barneveld told Sky Sports.
"You know that before the game and he just keeps hurting you, and that's why he is the greatest. Phil keeps improving all the time and it's so disappointing for me. I keep putting in more preparation and it never seems enough.
"I'm the No.2 at the moment, and players like James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Gary Anderson are all trying but he's just too good for everyone.”
"I hit a nine-darter in the first round and that is an achievement but it's only one leg. I enjoyed this week but the final was disappointing."
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