Taylor retains World Matchplay title

Ten-time world champion Phil Taylor retained his Stan James World Matchplay title with a hard-fought 18-12 victory over the colourful Wayne Mardle in Blackpool.

‘The Power’ simply had too much for the 29-year-old, who was competing in his first world final, but credit must go to Mardle.

Mardle is not only a great showman but a player who surely will go on to win a major world title in the future.

The atmosphere inside the Winter Gardens was simply electric and Mardle responded by registering a maximum with his first three darts before nailing double five.

But the next four legs went with the throw and Mardle went into the interval with a slender 3-2 advantage.

Taylor spun his dart into the double 16 bed to level before he was able break his opponent’s throw with a successful attempt at the same double.

However, Mardle has impressed everyone this week with his ability to maintain a very high standard and he immediately broke back with a superb 142 checkout.

The next two legs were shared before Taylor finished with bull on Mardle’s throw. The Stoke thrower then held his own to open up a two-leg lead for the first time in the match.

Neither player was able to break the other during the next eight legs, which meant Taylor went into the fourth interval 11-9 ahead.

Taylor then reeled off the ext two legs before Mardle fought back with a double 18 finish.

Both players shared the last two legs before the interval but Taylor was just four away from victory and after the interval he surged clear to clinch yet another title.