Van Gerwen feels the Power as Taylor roars back for title No16
ENGLAND’S Phil Taylor admits he is considering retiring from darts despite winning his 16th world title, beating Dutchman Michael van Gerwen 7-4 last night.
Taylor surged back from 2-0 and 4-2 down in a pulsating PDC World Championship final, with both men averaging over 100, to reclaim the title he last won in 2010.
“I’m probably the proudest man in the world right now,” said Taylor, nicknamed “The Power”. “I couldn’t seem to crack him, all of a sudden the crowd got behind me and won it for me. It’s the biggest night of my life. I really don’t know how long I can keep doing this for but I’ll be back next year to defend the title at 53.”
Van Gerwen raced into an early lead with a 140 checkout in the opening set but missed a dart at double 20 to go 3-1 up. Instead Taylor responded to level at 2-2 with some heavy scores.
Van Gerwen won five of the next six legs at pace to lead 4-2 but once again Taylor clawed his way back to pinch the seventh set after his opponent missed double 16.
The 52-year-old edged a set clear for 5-4 when he secured a break against the throw following a brilliant 11-dart leg and the pressure started to show for the Dutch 23-year-old, who struggled to finish doubles.
A series of missed chances enabled Taylor to capitalise and storm to five sets in a row to check out with a superb 91, finishing on double 16.