Taylor shrugs off Dudbridge to clinch title

PHIL TAYLOR shrugged off a determined challenge from young pretender Mark Dudbridge to capture his 12th world title at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet last night.

‘The Power’ produced a typical surge to win three consecutive sets and ultimately run out a 7-4 winner in the final of the Ladbrokes.com-sponsored event after being given plenty of problems by the rapidly emerging Bristol star.

Before the match, 44-year-old Taylor had complained of tiredness and although he had not been tested in any of his four previous outings in the tournament, a row with quarter-final opponent Kevin Painter after his 5-1 success had affected his frame of mind.