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'''Philip Douglas 'Phil' Taylor''' (born 13 August 1960) is an English professional [[darts]] player, nicknamed '''Phil "The Power" Taylor'''. He is widely regarded as the best darts player of all time, having won more than 200 professional tournaments, including 76 major titles, and a record 16 [[World Professional Darts Championship|World Championships]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2631249.stm |title=Part relishes Taylor triumph |author=BBC |date=6 January 2003 |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Phil Taylor player profile |url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=1 |work=Dartsdatabase |accessdate=23 July 2010 }}</ref> No darts player has a winning record against him. |
'''Philip Douglas 'Phil' Taylor''' (born 13 August 1960) is an English professional [[darts]] player, nicknamed '''Phil "The Power" Taylor'''. He is widely regarded as the best darts player of all time, having won more than 200 professional tournaments, including 76 major titles, and a record 16 [[World Professional Darts Championship|World Championships]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2631249.stm |title=Part relishes Taylor triumph |author=BBC |date=6 January 2003 |publisher=BBC |accessdate=18 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Phil Taylor player profile |url=http://www.dartsdatabase.co.uk/PlayerDetails.aspx?playerKey=1 |work=Dartsdatabase |accessdate=23 July 2010 }}</ref> No darts player has a winning record against him. |
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He has won the PDC Player of the Year award six times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and has twice been nominated for the [[BBC Sports Personality of the Year]], in 2006 and 2010, finishing as runner-up in the latter.<ref name="SPOTY 2006">{{cite news |title=BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2006 shortlist unveiled |author=BBC Press Office |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/12_december/04/sports.shtml |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2006 |accessdate=30 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="SPOTY 2010">{{cite news |title=Sports Personality of the Year 2010: Phil Taylor |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/9204249.stm |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2010 |accessdate=30 November 2010}}</ref> He was the first, and to date, the only person to hit two [[nine dart finish]]es in one match, in the [[2010 Premier League Darts]] final against [[James Wade]].<ref name="2 nine darts">{{cite news |title=Historic Taylor nails TWO 9 darters in Premier League triumph! |author=<!--Staff writers; no by-line.--> |url= http://www.unicorn-darts.com/news/2010/5/24/historic-taylor-nails-two-9-darters-in-premier-league-triumph.aspx |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=Unicorn |date=24 May 2010 |pages="Unicorn Darts News" section |accessdate=27 July 2010}}</ref> He has hit a record nine televised [[nine-dart finish]]es |
He has won the PDC Player of the Year award six times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and has twice been nominated for the [[BBC Sports Personality of the Year]], in 2006 and 2010, finishing as runner-up in the latter.<ref name="SPOTY 2006">{{cite news |title=BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2006 shortlist unveiled |author=BBC Press Office |url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/12_december/04/sports.shtml |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2006 |accessdate=30 November 2010}}</ref><ref name="SPOTY 2010">{{cite news |title=Sports Personality of the Year 2010: Phil Taylor |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/9204249.stm |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 November 2010 |accessdate=30 November 2010}}</ref> He was the first, and to date, the only person to hit two [[nine dart finish]]es in one match, in the [[2010 Premier League Darts]] final against [[James Wade]].<ref name="2 nine darts">{{cite news |title=Historic Taylor nails TWO 9 darters in Premier League triumph! |author=<!--Staff writers; no by-line.--> |url= http://www.unicorn-darts.com/news/2010/5/24/historic-taylor-nails-two-9-darters-in-premier-league-triumph.aspx |work=Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts |publisher=Unicorn |date=24 May 2010 |pages="Unicorn Darts News" section |accessdate=27 July 2010}}</ref> He has hit a record nine televised [[nine-dart finish]]es and is ranked world number one in the [[PDC Order of Merit]], a position he has held for longer than any other player. |
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Taylor played in [[British Darts Organisation]] (BDO) events until 1993, when he and several other players broke away to form the World Darts Council, now known as the [[Professional Darts Corporation]] (PDC). |
Taylor played in [[British Darts Organisation]] (BDO) events until 1993, when he and several other players broke away to form the World Darts Council, now known as the [[Professional Darts Corporation]] (PDC). |
Revision as of 12:59, 14 August 2013
Phil Taylor | |
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Personal information | |
Full name | Philip Douglas Taylor |
Nickname | The Power |
Born | 13 August 1960 Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England |
Home town | Crewe |
Darts information | |
Darts | 26g Unicorn Phase 5 Rosso[1] |
Laterality | Right-handed |
Walk-on music | "The Power" by Snap! |
Organisation (see split in darts) | |
BDO | 1988–1993 |
PDC | 1993– (founding member) |
Current world ranking | 1 |
WDF major events – best performances | |
World Ch'ship | Winner (2) 1990, 1992 |
World Masters | Winner 1990 |
World Trophy | Winner 2006 |
Int. Darts League | Quarter-final: 2006 |
PDC premier events – best performances | |
World Ch'ship | Winner (14) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013 |
World Matchplay | Winner (14) 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
World Grand Prix | Winner (10) 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 |
UK Open | Winner (5) 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2013 |
Grand Slam | Winner (4) 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 |
European Ch'ship | Winner (4) 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
Premier League | Winner (6) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012 |
Ch'ship League | Winner (3) 2008, 2011, 2012 |
Desert Classic | Winner (5) 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009 |
US Open/WSoD | Winner (4) 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 |
PC Finals | Winner (3) 2009, 2011, 2012 |
Other tournament wins | |
Tournament | Years |
Antwerp Darts Trophy Antwerp Open Australian Open Battle of the Champions Berlin Open Bobby Bourn Memorial British Pentathlon Canadian Open Center Parcs Masters Champion Vs Champion China Telecom Cup Dartgala Hengelo Denmark Open DPA Tournament of Champs Eastbourne Pro Finnish Open German Darts Championship Gleneagle Irish Masters Hemeco Open Rosmalen IRL Open Autumn Classic Isle of Man Open Jersey Festival of Darts Jocky Wilson Cup Killarney Pro Tour London Masters Masters of Darts MDA Face Off Montreal Open Munich Open News of the World Tournament North American Cup North American Open Open Lunteren PDC UK Masters PDC UK Matchplay PDC World Cup of Darts PDC World Pairs Pontins British Masters RTL7 Masters South African Masters Sunparks Masters WDF Europe Cup WDF Europe Cup Pairs World Cricket Championship European Tour Events German Darts Championship Gibraltar Darts Trophy Players Championships Players Championship (AUS) Players Championship (BRI) Players Championship (DER) Players Championship (EIN) Players Championship (GER) Players Championship (GIB) Players Championship (HOL) Players Championship (IRL) Players Championship (LAV) Players Championship (MID) Players Championship (NUL) players Championship (REA) Players Championship (SOU) Players Championship (WAL) Players Championship (WIG) UK Open Regionals UK Open Regional (IRL) UK Open Regional (MID) UK Open Regional (NWE) UK Open Regional (SWE) UK Open Regional (SOU) UK Open Regional (WAL) UK Open Qualifier | 2008 1997, 1998 2012 1997 1993 2003–2008 1990, 1991 1988 1996 1999, 2004 2004 2005 1990 2012 2002 1990 2007, 2009 2009 2009, 2011 2004, 2005 1990 1990, 1999 2009 2009 2008 2005 2010 2001, 2002 2006 1997 2000–2003 1990, 1991 2011 1994 1996 2012, 2013 1996 1990 2011 2007–2009 1996 1990, 1992 1990 2010 2012 2013 2010 2008 2010 2008 2008, 2009 2009 2005, 2007 2005–2009, 2011 2008 2008 2009 2012 2008, 2009 2005, 2006 2010, 2011 2002, 2004 2008, 2009 2008 2009 2003, 2007, 2009 2002, 2004, 2006 2010, 2011, 2012 |
Other achievements | |
2002 Achieves his first televised nine dart finish (and the first live televised nine-darter in the UK) at World Matchplay 2004 Becomes first player to hit a second televised nine-dart finish | |
Updated on 3 January 2013. |
Philip Douglas 'Phil' Taylor (born 13 August 1960) is an English professional darts player, nicknamed Phil "The Power" Taylor. He is widely regarded as the best darts player of all time, having won more than 200 professional tournaments, including 76 major titles, and a record 16 World Championships.[6][7] No darts player has a winning record against him.
He has won the PDC Player of the Year award six times (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012) and has twice been nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, in 2006 and 2010, finishing as runner-up in the latter.[8][9] He was the first, and to date, the only person to hit two nine dart finishes in one match, in the 2010 Premier League Darts final against James Wade.[10] He has hit a record nine televised nine-dart finishes and is ranked world number one in the PDC Order of Merit, a position he has held for longer than any other player.
Taylor played in British Darts Organisation (BDO) events until 1993, when he and several other players broke away to form the World Darts Council, now known as the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
He was given the nickname "The Power" by a Sky Sports production manager, Peter Judge. Judge told Taylor that he should have a nickname, and he was named "The Power" after Judge stepped on an empty CD case of Snap!'s "The Power".[11]
Early life
Taylor was born to Doug and Liz Taylor on 13 August 1960 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. He left school at the age of 16[12] and after holding a few jobs including as a sheet metal worker,[13] he would spend most of his early working days making ceramic toilet roll handles, for which he earned £52 a week.[14][15] Although he liked to play darts as a child, he never took up the game seriously until 1986 when he moved into a terraced house in Burslem, living near to Eric Bristow's pub the Crafty Cockney. A few months later, his wife Yvonne bought him a set of darts for his birthday and he started playing weekly, occasionally at Bristow's pub. By 1988 he was selected for the county team and playing at Super League level. Bristow started sponsoring him by loaning him £10,000 later that year to help him get started as a professional darts player and on the condition that he gave up his job as a ceramic engineer.[16][17][18]
Early career
Taylor's first title came in the Canadian Open in 1988 and after reaching the quarter finals of the British Open and the semi finals of the Winmau World Masters in 1989 he had qualified for the World Championships for the first time in 1990. Although he had achieved some success in Open events, he went into the 1990 World Championship as a 125–1 unseeded outsider. He beat number six seed Russell Stewart 3–1 in the first round, Dennis Hickling 3–0 in the second round, Ronnie Sharp 4–2 in the quarter finals and Cliff Lazarenko 5–0 to reach the final,[19] where he met his mentor, Bristow. Bristow had been suffering with dartitis since 1986 but had recovered his world number one ranking to be the top seed in the event. After sharing the first two sets, Taylor beat Bristow 6–1 in sets[note 1] to claim his first world title.[19] For the rest of 1990, Taylor dominated the Open events taking the titles in Isle of Man, Finland, North America, Denmark plus the British Pentathlon, British Masters, Europe Cup and the game's second major tournament at the time, the Winmau World Masters.[20]
Taylor's defence of the world championship in 1991 ended at the quarter-final stage with a loss to Dennis Priestley, who went on to win his first world title.[21] He picked up fewer titles in 1991 losing both his Danish Open and World Masters titles in finals to Rod Harrington. Taylor regained the world championship the following year, beating Mike Gregory 6–5 in the final in a deciding leg, after Gregory had missed six darts to win the title himself.[22] He called the win as the favourite of his career and the match is still regarded by many as the greatest World Championship final in history.[23]
Split in darts
From a peak during the 1980s, the game of darts had lost many sponsors and almost all television coverage. Players felt that the BDO was no longer serving the interests of the game at the top level. In 1993, some players broke away from the game's ruling body, the British Darts Organisation, and formed their own organisation, the World Darts Council (WDC), later renamed the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).[24]
In the 1993 World Championship, the last unified World Championship to be held,[25] Taylor lost in the second round to Kevin Spiolek.[26] The BDO refused to allow the new organisation to set up and run their own tournaments, so the WDC players decided that they would no longer compete in the BDO World Championship. They founded the WDC World Darts Championship as an alternative.[24] In the first WDC World Championship in 1994, Taylor lost to Priestley, but Taylor dominated the event for the next decade and beyond.[27]
PDC career
1994 to 1998
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After losing to Priestley in the final of the first PDC World Championship in 1994, Taylor began to dominate the event during the next few years. Rod Harrington reached his first World Final in 1995 and although he had won his previous three finals against Taylor in 1991 and 1992, Taylor took the title 6–2 and it would turn out to be Harrington's only appearance in a World Final.
The finals of 1996, 1997 and 1998 would feature Taylor v Priestley in a repeat of the inaugural final. Priestley achieved the first 100 average in a final in 1996 but still ended up runner-up and the next two finals would be more one-sided in favour of Taylor who took the title 6–3 in 1997 and 6–0 in 1998 with an average in the final of 103.98. By 1998, he had passed his mentor Eric Bristow's haul of five world championships.
Taylor's record at Blackpool in the WDC's second major event, the World Matchplay was not as strong in the early days, losing to Bob Anderson in 1994, Peter Evison in 1996 and Ronnie Baxter in 1998 – but he still won the event twice in the first five years, beating Priestley 16–11 in 1995 and Alan Warriner-Little 16–11 in 1997.
1999 to 2004
Taylor stretched his World Championship unbeaten run to eight years in the PDC World Championship beating Peter Manley in 1999 and 2002, Priestley for a fourth time in 2000 and John Part in 2001. Part would finally end the run[27] by beating Taylor 7–6 (sets) in the 2003 World Championship.[28]
He would improve his record at Blackpool during this spell. After he lost in the 1999 semi-final of the World Matchplay to Peter Manley, he would go on to win the title for the next five years (2000–2004) beating five different opponents in the final, Alan Warriner-Little (2000), Richie Burnett (2001), John Part (2002), Wayne Mardle (2003) and Mark Dudbridge (2004). By the end of 2004, he had won 11 World Championships and seven World Matchplays.[citation needed]
Taylor has faced the incumbent BDO World Champion in challenge matches on two occasions. In 1999, he beat Raymond van Barneveld by 21 legs to 10 in a one-hour challenge dubbed "The Match of the Century" at the Wembley Conference Centre. The second challenge match came in 2004 against Andy Fordham. Taylor was leading 5–2 in sets when Fordham, feeling unwell, abandoned the match.[29]
2004 to 2008
Taylor continued his dominance during 2004 and 2005, but after winning his 13th World Championship title in January 2006,[30] he lost four matches in televised tournaments during the first half of the year.[31] He lost to Jelle Klaasen and Simon Whitlock in the International Darts League tournament,[32] and twice in a row to Raymond van Barneveld—in the UK Open[33] and the Las Vegas Desert Classic.[34] He came back to win the World Matchplay,[35] the World Darts Trophy[36] (a BDO affiliated event), and the World Grand Prix[37] in the second half of the year.
The 2007 World Final was between Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld. The game was tied at 6–6 in sets and van Barneveld had a 2–1 lead in legs. van Barneveld missed four darts and Taylor tied the set at 2–2. The set went to 5–5, and van Barneveld won the sudden death leg for his fifth World Championship (four with BDO and one with PDC).[38] Taylor said, "Of all the finals I've played in, I would probably put this one as the best".[38]
2007 proved to be Taylor's most barren year for major title successes.[39] He was defeated at the International Darts League and the World Darts Trophy in the Netherlands. At the UK Open in Bolton, he suffered a 4–11 loss to van Barneveld.[40] He lost to Mark Dudbridge at the Las Vegas Desert Classic,[41] and lost at the World Matchplay in Blackpool. At the World Grand Prix in Dublin, he lost to Adrian Gray.[42] Taylor feared his career was in decline or over[43] but later vowed that he would continue.[44]
Taylor's 100% appearance record in the Final of the PDC World Darts Championship came to an end in 2008 after 14 years when Taylor was beaten in the quarter finals.[45] This was the first time that he had not reached the final stage of the PDC World Darts Championship.[27] He was taken to the final set in each of his first three rounds before losing to Wayne Mardle 5 sets to 4;[45] At one point he was up 3–0 in sets.[46]
Before the start of the Premier League tournament,[47] Taylor unveiled some new black 26g darts.[1] Despite a poor start to his Premier League Darts campaign, with three defeats in his first four matches, Taylor finished at the top of the Premier League standings. He beat Adrian Lewis 11–2 with a 112.68 average in the semi-final, and went on to take his fourth consecutive title[48] with a 16–8 victory over Wade (average 108.36).[49] He won his second US Open title in May 2008, defeating Colin Lloyd in the final.[50][51] At the UK Open, Taylor broke the world record for highest average in a televised game by averaging 118.66 against Kevin Painter in round four. He won the match 9–0,[52] but was defeated 10–9 in the quarter-finals by Raymond van Barneveld.[53]
As he went to Las Vegas for the 2008 Las Vegas Desert Classic in July, he was in an unusual position for him of not holding any of the major televised ranking events, but corrected that by taking his fourth Vegas title. He then regained the World Matchplay,[54] World Grand Prix,[55] the first European Darts Championship.[56][57] and the Grand Slam of Darts.[58][59]
2009 to 2011
![]() | This section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (February 2012) |
Taylor won the World Championship title (his 14th title) for the first time in three years by beating Raymond van Barneveld 7–1 in the 2009 world final. His 110.94 three-dart average was the highest ever recorded in a PDC final.[60] His average during the course of the tournament was 104.08.[61] Taylor beat Colin Osborne 11–6 in the final[62] to win his third UK Open title in June, his first win at this tournament since 2005. His tournament average was 107.38.[63]
Success continued throughout the rest of 2009 winning the last Las Vegas Desert Classic (his fifth time),[64] the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix,[65] European Darts Championship[66] and the Grand Slam of Darts for the third successive time in November.[67]
Taylor kicked off 2010 by winning his fifteenth World Championship title, beating Simon Whitlock seven sets to three with an average of more than 104 and winning the match with a 131 checkout.[68] Taylor lost in the semi-finals of the Players Championship at[56] the Circus Tavern in Purfleet. Whilst attempting to defend his title earned in the inaugural event of 2009, Taylor lost to eventual champion Paul Nicholson. Taylor admitted, following his defeat, that he had had little time to practice after his World Championship win.[69] He made history again in the Premier League final against defending champion James Wade in the final by hitting two nine dart finishes, the first time this has been done in professional darts.[70]
By the summer of 2010, he was the holder of the World Championship, World Matchplay, Premier League, UK Open, World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts – with only the Players Championship Finals missing from a complete set of major televised titles. These performances, in addition to his longevity contributed to his nomination for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2010, where he was voted runner-up to A.P. McCoy.[71] However, defeats in the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam and a loss to Mark Webster in the quarter finals of the 2011 World Championship meant he started 2011 as holder of three major titles – the World Matchplay, Premier League and UK Open.[72] However he won his first major tournament in seven months by winning the 2011 Players Championship beating Gary Anderson 13 – 12 in a thrilling final. Taylor won the World Matchplay for a record 12th time in 18 years, beating Mark Hylton 10–8 in the 1st round, Wayne Jones 13–7 in the 2nd round, Wes Newton 16–5 in the Quarter finals, Andy Hamilton 17–9 in the Semi finals and James Wade 18–8 in the final, with a tournament average of over 106.
One week later,Taylor flew over to Düsseldorf, Germany to play in the 2011 European Championship to win his 4th consecutive European title. He did this by beating John Michael 6–3, Mervyn King 10–3, Paul Nicholson 10–7, Simon Whitlock 11–4 and Adrian Lewis 11–8. He had a tournament average of 105.15.
On 27 September, Taylor competed in Group 1 of the Championship League, where he won all 7 of his qualifying games, 6–3 vs Adrian Lewis, 6–2 vs Terry Jenkins, 6–3 vs Wes Newton, 6–2 vs James Wade, 6–3 vs Simon Whitlock, 6–2 vs Gary Anderson and 6–1 vs Mark Webster, he finished the Group stage with a maximum 14 points, 42 legs won, 16 lost, for a leg difference of + 28, and won £2,100 during qualifying. He lost the semi final 6–5 in a superb match vs Wes Newton, he won a further £500 in that match, taking his total winnings for the day to £2,600. Due to not winning the Group he returned the next day to play in Group 2.
In Group 2 he won 6 out of his 7 games, losing his 4th match 6–4 to Simon Whitlock. He beat James Wade 6–1, Mervyn King 6–4, Paul Nicholson 6–0, Mark Webster 6–3, Wes Newton 6–4 and Andy Hamilton 6–1, to finish top of the Group with 12 points, 40 legs won, 19 lost, so a leg difference of + 21, he won £2,000 in qualifying. In the semi final he beat Paul Nicholson 6–3 and Simon Whitlock 6–5 to win Group 2 and progress to the Winner's Group.
In the Winner's Group he won all 7 of his qualifying games, he beat Gary Anderson 6–5, Steve Beaton 6–3, Mervyn King 6–3, he also hit a 9 dart leg in this match, his 10th in competition. He also beat Mark Walsh 6–3, Simon Whitlock 6–5, Paul Nicholson 6–1 and Dennis Priestley 6–2 to qualify top of the Group. In the Semi Finals he beat Steve Beaton 6–1 and in the Final he beat Paul Nicholson 6–1 to win his second Championship League title, winning £6,600 in the Group stages, and a further £10,000 for winning the title.
In November, he won the Grand Slam of Darts by beating Gary Anderson 16–4. He lost his Players Championship title to Kevin Painter when he was defeated by Mervyn King.
2012
Taylor failed to make the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship for the first time in his career in 2012, as he was beaten in the second round, 1–4, by Dave Chisnall.[73] He then represented England this time with Adrian Lewis in his second World Cup of Darts and looked to improve upon the second round exit of 2010. Taylor started the tournament sluggishly as he lost his singles matches to Ken MacNeil of Canada and Gary Mawson of the United States, but nevertheless England progressed thanks to a sudden-death leg in the former and a doubles victory in the latter. A comfortable 5–1 win over Wales followed to reach the final against the Australian pair of Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson. Taylor won both his singles matches, averaging 106 to beat Whitlock, but England lost the doubles meaning the tie was level at 3–3 and would require a sudden-death leg. It proved to be a nervous finale to the game as Australia missed four darts to win and Taylor missed two, before Lewis took out double 5 to ensure that England won their first World Cup title.[74]
Taylor played Lewis in the first week of the 2012 Premier League four days later and managed to draw 7–7 despite being 6–1 down.[75] He averaged 112.79, which is the highest ever average without actually winning the match.[76] Taylor hit the ninth televised nine-darter of his career in the second week of the Premier League, in an 8–5 win against Kevin Painter.[77] Two weeks later he beat Simon Whitlock 8–4, registering the highest 3 dart average in the history of the tournament with 117.35.[78] In week 13, he beat James Wade 8–1, averaging another masterclass 3 dart average of 116.10.[79] Taylor ended the league campaign 1st in the table 8 points ahead of the second placed Simon Whitlock and was the only player to have won more legs than they lost.[80] In the 14 game league phase Taylor had registered five of the top fifteen televised averages in the history of the game.[76] He played James Wade in the semi-finals against whom he inflicted heavy 8–1 and 8–2 defeats during the league stage.[81] The semi-final, however, was much closer with Taylor trailing early on before taking 4 successive legs to lead 6–4, only for Wade to level at 6–6. Taylor then took out a 149 finish, with Wade on 57, to break and then closed out the match 8–6 and reach the final where he faced Simon Whitlock. Taylor looked to be heading for a comfortable win in the final as he raced into a 7–2 lead, before the Australian stormed back to level 7–7. Taylor, however, held his nerve to win the last 3 legs of the match to win 10–7 and seal his sixth Premier League title.[82]
Taylor won the third event of the Players Championship in March with a 6–1 victory over Wes Newton, with an average of 113.54. He also hit a nine darter earlier in the tournament during his second round match against Tony West.[83] He reached the final of the fourth Players Championship event a day later, where he again played Dave Chisnall, with Taylor losing 5–6. He hit his second nine dart finish of the weekend in a first round match against Peter Hudson.[84]
In June, Taylor looked on course to win his fifth UK Open title with convincing wins over the likes of Ronnie Baxter, Terry Jenkins and Denis Ovens to book a place in the final against Robert Thornton.[85] Taylor won the first two legs, but the Scot then won 9 of the next 10 and closed out the match 11–5, with Taylor missing a total of 23 darts at doubles and, in doing so, suffered his sixth defeat in a major PDC final out of the 72 he has reached.[86] Taylor then played in his first ever European Tour event and won it by beating Chisnall 6–2 in the final, gaining revenge for his defeat in the World Championship. He earlier overcame Raymond van Barneveld 6–5 in the quarter-finals and Wes Newton 6–3 in the semis at the event in Berlin.[87] In July 2012 Taylor walked off the stage at the Shetland Open during a semi final match with Raymond van Barneveld.[88]
Taylor then won his fifth consecutive World Matchplay title and thirteenth in total. He beat Mervyn King (10–8), Ian White (13–3), Andy Hamilton (16–11) and Ronnie Baxter (17–10) to face James Wade in the final of the tournament for the fourth time.[89][90] The final proved to be tight and tense, with Taylor edging it 18–15 and extending his unbeaten run in the event to 25 games.[91] Taylor suffered defeat in the European Championship for the first time in September, as he lost 6–10 to Brendan Dolan in the quarter-finals. He averaged just 89.88 in the match which ended his run of four consecutive titles since the inaugural tournament in 2008.[92] Taylor then lost to Thornton in a major event for the second time this year, as he missed six darts for the match in a 2–3 defeat in the second round of the World Grand Prix.[93] Taylor qualified from Group 4 of the Championship League winning all nine of his games, concluding with a 6–1 win over Mark Walsh.[94] In the winners group, he won each of his seven league matches, before defeating Dave Chisnall 6–0 in the semi-finals (averaging 112.73) and Simon Whitlock 6–4 in the final (averaging 108.20) to take his third Championship League title.[95] Taylor finished second in Group A of the Grand Slam of Darts to face Michael van Gerwen in the last 16, in a match that was billed as a clash between the current two best players in the world.[96] Taylor averaged 105, but failed to hit a single maximum, as van Gerwen hit seven in a 10–5 win and an average of 108.[97] Taylor lost in consecutive Players Championship finals over the last weekend of November to Chisnall and van Gerwen, despite averaging 110 in the latter.[98][99] He finished sixth on the ProTour Order of Merit to qualify for the Finals, where he won his third title.[100] He saw off Mark Webster and Adrian Lewis in the first two rounds, but was then 5–9 down in the quarter-finals to Andy Hamilton in the best of 19 legs match. However, he restricted Hamilton to only one chance to win the match when on 60, but he missed the board with his first dart and failed to hit double 20 with his third, as Taylor took the five consecutive legs he required to win 10–9.[101] He outplayed Simon Whitlock in the semi-finals in an 11–2 victory and with the scores at 5–5 in the final against Kim Huybrechts, Taylor produced a devastating run to take eight of the next nine legs to secure the title.[102][103]
2013
Taylor won his 16th World Championship in the 2013 staging of the event. He lost only nine legs in reaching the semi-finals to play Raymond van Barneveld.[104] Before the match Taylor had taken offence to comments van Barneveld made about not being scared of him and wanting to face him rather than Taylor's quarter-final opponent Andy Hamilton.[105] Taylor raced into a 5–1 and withstood a strong fightback from van Barneveld to win 6–4.[106] After the match Taylor reacted angrily when van Barneveld attempted to pull him back to congratulate him after their handshake, with the pair being escorted from the stage separately by security staff.[107] The next day Taylor apologised for his behaviour which he labelled as "disgraceful".[108] Taylor faced Michael van Gerwen in the final, and from 2–4 down won five sets in a row to become the first man to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.[109] A day later he was named the PDC Player of the Year.[110]
Taylor retained his World Cup of Darts crown with Adrian Lewis in February. They survived two match darts from South Africa in the last 16 and one from Wales in the semi-finals to play the Belgian brothers Ronny and Kim Huybrechts in the final.[111][112] Taylor beat Ronny 4–0 and went into his second singles match knowing a win against Kim would secure the title and he did so 4–1.[113] Taylor did not finish top of the Premier League for the first time ever this year.[114] He won eight, drew four and lost four of his 16 matches to finish third in the table.[115] He played van Barneveld in the semi-finals who he had beaten 7–3 and drawn with 6–6 during the league stage.[115] From level at 3–3, Taylor moved away to triumph 8–4 and played van Gerwen in the final. Taylor started the better of the two as he led 5–3 at the break, but then lost four successive legs upon the resumption of play. In the 14th leg, van Gerwen opted not to go for the bull when on 87 and Taylor stepped in to finish 160 to level the match at 7–7. At 8–9 down Taylor had left 40 after 12 darts, but van Gerwen finished 132 on the bull to seal the title with a 10–8 win.[116] After the match Taylor vowed to ease up on his schedule but increase his practice in order to play his best in the major events.[117] It worked as at the next major event Taylor won his fifth UK Open title. He had to compete in the second round due to being ranked 44th on the UK Open Order of Merit after only competing in four of the eight Qualifiers and not advancing beyond the quarter-finals in any of them.[118] At the tournament he dropped only three legs in his first three matches, before getting lucky in the last 16 as Brendan Dolan missed three match darts to win 9–7, before Taylor threw an 11 dart leg in the decider.[119] He produced an average of 106.56 to beat van Gerwen 10–7, before easing past Peter Wright 10–5 in the semis and Andy Hamilton 11–4 in the final. Taylor's combined average during the six matches he played was over 100.[120] Taylor then won the Gibraltar Darts Trophy, dropping just seven legs in the six matches he played, which concluded with a 6–1 victory over Jamie Lewis in the final.[121] At the European Championship, Taylor lost in the second round to Ronny Huybrechts 5–10.[122] Taylor then won his sixth consecutive World Matchplay crown and 14th in total by defeating Adrian Lewis 18–13 in the final with an average of 111.23, a record for a Matchplay final. His tournament average through 123 legs was 105.81.[123]
Rivalries
Priestley
Dennis Priestley and Phil Taylor have played each other in five World Finals, with Taylor on top in these head-to-heads 4–1.[124] During the early years of the WDC, Priestley and Taylor had an agreement where they would share prize money won at events. Following the split in darts, the players had already gone through large expenses to fight court cases that would last until 1997 when they were finally able to overturn a ban by the British Darts Organisation. Their arrangement lasted between 1994 and 2000 and made sound financial sense given that one or the other generally delivered success in the immediate years after the split. The agreement eventually ended when the prize money grew to a level where the players could individually sustain a better living and this ironically coincided with Priestley's sharp dip in form.
Taylor and Priestley first met in major competition in the 1990 World Masters. Taylor won that semi-final encounter en route to the title. Priestley then assumed the upper hand in their rivalry, however, with victories over Taylor in the 1991 World Championship and British Matchplay final later that year. Their early meetings in the WDC were also won by Priestley, who defeated Taylor in the finals of the 1993 UK Matchplay and 1994 World Championship.
However, since Taylor's defeat in the 1994 World Final, he has only lost twice in all competitions and hasn't been beaten on television by Priestley since 1995.[124] Taylor and Priestley remain great friends,[125] and Taylor has claimed Priestley is the toughest opponent he has ever faced.[126] At the 2009 Las Vegas championship Taylor was emotional when he beat Dennis Priestley 8–0 in the second round. He later said it was tough to beat such a great friend that way.[127]
Part
Taylor's next rivalry was with Canadian John Part, who won the BDO World Championship in 1994[128] and moved to the PDC in 1997.[129] Their first meeting in the PDC came at the 2001 PDC World Championship final.[130] The match was one-sided as Taylor averaged 107 and won 7–0.[130] Taylor won their first five encounters including a 6–0 quarter final win at the 2002 PDC World Championships, a much closer match at the 2002 World Matchplay final, 18–16 and the 2002 World Grand Prix final, where Taylor again ended Part's attempt at a title by winning 7–3.[131][132][133]
A turning point came in the 2003 World Championship, where Part and Taylor met in the final. Part took a 4–1 lead but Taylor hit back to take the lead, 5–4. At 6–6 Part held his nerve and beat Taylor 7–6[134] to end Taylor's eight tournament unbeaten run in the championship.[27] Taylor's other losses to Part came in the 2003 Las Vegas Desert Classic (10–13 in the semi-final),[135] the 2004 UK Open (6–8 in the quarter final)[136] and at the 2005 World Matchplay (11–16 in the quarter final).[137]
Part won the 2008 PDC World Championship and became the second player after Taylor to have won the tournament more than once,[27] but Taylor has an overall winning record greater than 85% against Part and has continued to improve the win percentage in recent years by winning all but one of his games against Part since the 2005 World Matchplay defeat.[138]
Van Barneveld
While Taylor was clocking up World titles in the PDC, Raymond van Barneveld was amassing four in the BDO. Darts was denied a great rivalry as the two best players were unable to compete against each other regularly due to the split in the game. Van Barneveld switched to the PDC in 2006. Their first clash came in the 2006 Premier League Darts tournament and ended in a 7–7 draw. The return match went in Taylor's favour.[139] Barneveld's first PDC win over Taylor came at the 2006 UK Open with an 11–10 quarter final success,[140] which he followed up with success in the semi-finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic, winning by 4 sets to 3.[141] Taylor later defeated van Barneveld by 3 sets to 1 in the World Grand Prix.[142]
They then met in the final of the 2007 PDC World Championship at the Circus Tavern. The match has been described as the greatest game of darts ever played.[143] Despite being three sets to nothing up at one point, Taylor was defeated by van Barneveld seven sets to six in a sudden-death leg in the thirteenth set.[144] Taylor responded to his loss by defeating van Barneveld on two occasions in the 2007 Premier League Darts[145] and beating him in the final of the inaugural US Open.[146] van Barneveld later defeated Taylor in the quarter-finals of the UK Open by 11 legs to 4.[147] Taylor lost his top spot in the PDC World Rankings to van Barneveld in January 2008, but regained it in June.[148]
In major PDC tournaments in 2008, Taylor defeated van Barneveld twice in the Premier League,[149] lost by 10 legs to 9 in the quarter-finals of the UK Open,[150] but won the World Grand Prix against his rival by 6 sets to 2.[151] The rivalry continued into 2009 with the two meeting in the World Championship final for a second time, with Taylor winning 7–1 with a 110.94 three-dart average.[152] The two then met in the 2010 World Matchplay final; Taylor won 18–12, averaging more than 105, which was higher than van Barneveld's 100.11 average. After the game Barneveld acknowledged "I'm the number two at the moment, and players like James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Gary Anderson are all trying but he's just too good for everyone".[153] They have now met more than 50 times, with Taylor having 45 victories. Van Barneveld has 11 victories against Taylor, more than any other player.[154]
Wade
James Wade has won six PDC titles since he burst onto the scene in 2006, although he has yet to knock Taylor out of a tournament on his way to a televised title, he did beat him in the final of Championship League Darts 2010. Wade handed Taylor his first defeat in a Premier League match,[2][149] but Taylor has won every televised knockout match against him, including two Premier League finals.[155] They have met in the final of the World Matchplay four times between 2006 and 2012 with Taylor victorious each time.[91] Taylor has played Wade 46 times, winning 37 and losing 6, with 3 draws.[156]
van Gerwen
Despite there being an age gap of almost 30 years between the two, in 2013 Michael van Gerwen became the world number two behind Taylor and has been tipped to take over Taylor's dominance of the sport.[157] The pair's first meeting saw Taylor win 3–2 when the Dutchman was 17-years old, before van Gerwen beat him 3–0 in the Masters of Darts and 7–6 in the International Darts League.[158] Taylor then won 15 consecutive games against him encompassing a span of five years, during which van Gerwen struggled for form and confidence. However, in October 2012 Van Gerwen won his first PDC major and when the two met in the last 16 of the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts, the match was billed as a clash between the two best players in the world.[159] It was this match which truly started the rivalry as both players averaged over 110 for long parts of it, with Taylor at one point gesturing for van Gerwen to get out of his way when he paused in retrieving his darts. Van Gerwen took the match 10–5 with it being signalled as the start of a new era in darts.[160] The two then met in a Players Championship final with van Gerwen coming back from 4–5 down with back to back finishes of 164 and 124 to win in a final against Taylor for the first time.[161] Before their meeting in the final of the 2013 World Championship, Taylor said that van Gerwen's talent was better than himself at his peak and it was suggested that a win for the Dutchman would be a changing of the guard for the sport.[162] However, Taylor fought back from 2–4 down in sets to win 7–4. A few months later, van Gerwen became the first player other than Taylor to finish top of the table of the Premier League with the two meeting in the final which van Gerwen won 10–8.[114] Afterwards Taylor stated that he would reinvent himself and make himself better as the pair would have many battles in the future and that his next target in his career would be to beat van Gerwen.[163] Van Gerwen himself called Taylor the greatest ever and said that no one will ever match his achievements in darts.[157] Their next meeting was at the 2013 UK Open with Taylor winning 10–7. Taylor has now won two major titles since the Premier League loss and van Gerwen hasn't won any.[164]
Nine-dart finishes
Taylor has supplemented his accomplishments in televised tournaments by frequently achieving the perfect leg of darts – a nine dart finish. The first time he achieved this was at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, against Chris Mason in the televised World Matchplay Championship in 2002.[165] He has achieved the feat nine times on television, including four times in the UK Open at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton (2004, 2005, 2007, and 2008).
On 24 May 2010, in the final of the 2010 PDC Whyte & Mackay Premier League, Taylor became the first player in professional darts to hit two nine dart finishes in a single match.[10]
Date | Opponent | Tournament | Method | Prize |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 August 2002 | Chris Mason | World Matchplay | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | £100,000 |
5 June 2004[166] | Matt Chapman | UK Open | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | 501 bottles of Budweiser |
12 June 2005[167] | Roland Scholten | UK Open | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | 501 bottles of Budweiser |
8 May 2007[168] | Raymond van Barneveld | International Darts League | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | Opel Tigra Twin Top |
9 June 2007[169] | Wes Newton | UK Open | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | £20,000[170] |
7 June 2008[171] | Jamie Harvey | UK Open | 3 x T20; 2 x T20, T19; 2 x T20, D12 | £25,000[172] |
24 May 2010 | James Wade | Premier League Darts | T20, 2 x T19; 3 x T20; T20, T17, D18 | |
24 May 2010 | James Wade | Premier League Darts | 3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12 | |
16 February 2012 | Kevin Painter | Premier League Darts | 3 x T20; T20, 2 x T19; T20, T17, D18 |
Outside darts
Taylor and his former wife Yvonne have four children: Lisa (born 1983), Chris (born 1984), Kelly (born 1989) and Natalie (born 1992).[173] He has written an autobiography with the late Sky TV darts commentator Sid Waddell.[174] He supports his home town football club, Port Vale.[175] He was also inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Hall of Fame when it was opened in January 2011.[176] Taylor was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2001 New Year honours.
Indecent assault conviction
In 1999, following an exhibition match in Fife, Scotland, Taylor returned to his van accompanied by two women, aged 23 and 25, who subsequently accused him of indecent assault. Taylor denied the charges but in May 2001 he was found guilty and fined £2,000.[177] As a result of his conviction, Taylor's MBE nomination was annulled before he was awarded it.[178]
Television and music appearances
Taylor's achievements in darts have led to guest appearances on television.[179]
He also appeared in Justin Hawkins solo project "British Whale"s music video for sparks cover "This Town Aint Big Enough for the Both of Us"
Despite PDC darts not being broadcast on the BBC, he has appeared on several BBC television shows over the years.[180][181][182] On 2 February 2009, he made a guest appearance in the long-running popular soap opera Coronation Street, playing the part of 'Disco Dave', the captain of a rival darts team to the Rovers Return. Taylor was seen only briefly on screen and had no dialogue.[183][184] On 22 January 2011 he appeared to present the award for Best Comedy Panel Show at the British Comedy Awards hosted by Jonathan Ross. After winning the 2011 Players Championship he announced he would be taping an appearance for an upcoming edition of A Question of Sport.
On 1 January 2012, Taylor appeared on OMG! Jedward's Dream Factory, an Irish children's reality television show which pop duo Jedward helped to fulfil the wishes of children who have previously written in to the show, similar to the concept of long-running UK Jim'll Fix It. One episode featured a girl who was a huge darts fan and wrote in wanting to play darts with Taylor. It was recorded in 2011 when the World Grand Prix was in Dublin.
On 12 March 2012, Taylor made a guest appearance on A Question of Sport.
In May 2012, Taylor, together with the seven other players who competed in the Premier League recorded a charity single with Chas Hodges and his band called 'Got My Tickets for the Darts' which was written by Chas. It was released on 18 May, the night after the play-offs at the O2 in London, where it was premiered. Proceeds from the single will be donated to the Haven House Children's Hospice.[185]
Awards and records
Taylor holds records for high scoring in darts. His three-dart average per match records are the highest in the history of the game.[186] No player has a winning head-to-head record against him. Taylor has a 79% win rate against Raymond van Barneveld, the player with the most wins against him.[187] Taylor is the first darts player to win more than £1 million in prize money.[188]
On 9 January 2007 Taylor won the 2006 PDC Player of the Year award at the inaugural PDC Awards Dinner held at the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane. He was one of ten nominees for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2006; the award went to Zara Phillips.[189] Taylor was voted the 2007 Fans' Player of the Year following a vote conducted on the website Planet Darts. He received the award at the annual PDC Awards Dinner in January 2008. After his fifteenth world championship victory, Taylor was made an inaugural inductee to the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame on 7 January 2010.[4] Awards excluding Hall of Fame are handed out the following January so add a year for the year received.
- PDC Player of the Year: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
- PDC Fans' Player of the Year: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
- Best PDC Pro Tour Player/Floor Player: 2008, 2009
- PDPA Players' Player of the Year: 2008, 2009
- PDC Nine Dart Club: *2006, *2007, *2008, −2008, *2009(x2), *2010, *2011, −2011, *2012 *Gold Pin Badge(Televised)/-Silver Pin Badge(Non-Televised)
- PDC Hall of Fame: 2011
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Runner Up): 2010
World Championship results
BDO
- 1990: Winner (beat Eric Bristow 6–1)
- 1991: Quarter-finals (lost to Dennis Priestley 3–4)
- 1992: Winner (beat Mike Gregory 6–5)
- 1993: 2nd round (lost to Kevin Spiolek 1–3)
PDC
- 1994: Runner-up (lost to Dennis Priestley 1–6)
- 1995: Winner (beat Rod Harrington 6–2)
- 1996: Winner (beat Dennis Priestley 6–4)
- 1997: Winner (beat Dennis Priestley 6–3)
- 1998: Winner (beat Dennis Priestley 6–0)
- 1999: Winner (beat Peter Manley 6–2)
- 2000: Winner (beat Dennis Priestley 7–3)
- 2001: Winner (beat John Part 7-0)
- 2002: Winner (beat Peter Manley 7–0)
- 2003: Runner-up (lost to John Part 6-7)
- 2004: Winner (beat Kevin Painter 7–6)
- 2005: Winner (beat Mark Dudbridge 7–4)
- 2006: Winner (beat Peter Manley 7–0)
- 2007: Runner-up (lost to Raymond van Barneveld 6–7)
- 2008: Quarter-finals (lost to Wayne Mardle 4–5)
- 2009: Winner (beat Raymond van Barneveld 7–1)
- 2010: Winner (beat Simon Whitlock 7–3)
- 2011: Quarter-finals (lost to Mark Webster 2–5)
- 2012: 2nd round (lost to Dave Chisnall 1–4)
- 2013: Winner (beat Michael van Gerwen 7–4)
Tournament wins
BDO major finals: 6 (4 titles, 2 runner-ups)
Legend |
World Championship (2–0) |
Winmau World Masters (1–1) |
World Darts Trophy (1–1) |
Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score[note 2] | Ref. |
Winner | 1. | 1990 | World Darts Championship | ![]() |
6–1 (s) | [190] |
Winner | 2. | 1990 | Winmau World Masters | ![]() |
[note 3] | [191] |
Runner-up | 1. | 1991 | Winmau World Masters | ![]() |
[note 3] | [192] |
Winner | 3. | 1992 | World Darts Championship (2) | ![]() |
6–5 (s) | [193] |
Winner | 4. | 2006 | World Darts Trophy | ![]() |
7–2 (s) | [194] |
Runner-up | 2. | 2007 | World Darts Trophy | ![]() |
3–7 (s) | [195] |
PDC premier event finals: 79 (72 titles, 7 runner-ups)
Legend |
World Championship (14–3) |
World Matchplay (14–0) |
World Grand Prix (10–0) |
Grand Slam (4–0) |
Premier League (6–1) |
Other (24–3) |
Outcome | No. | Year | Championship | Opponent in the final | Score[note 2] |
Runner-up | 1. | 1994 | World Darts Championship | ![]() |
1–6 (s) |
Winner | 1. | 1995 | World Darts Championship | ![]() |
6–2 (s) |
Winner | 2. | 1995 | World Matchplay | ![]() |
16–11 (l) |
Winner | 3. | 1996 | World Darts Championship (2) | ![]() |
6–4 (s) |
Winner | 4. | 1997 | World Darts Championship (3) | ![]() |
6–3 (s) |
Winner | 5. | 1997 | World Matchplay (2) | ![]() |
16–11 (l) |
Winner | 6. | 1998 | World Darts Championship (4) | ![]() |
6–0 (s) |
Winner | 7. | 1998 | World Grand Prix | ![]() |
13–8 (l) |
Winner | 8. | 1999 | World Darts Championship (5) | ![]() |
6–2 (s) |
Winner | 9. | 1999 | World Grand Prix (2) | ![]() |
6–1 (s) |
Winner | 10. | 2000 | World Darts Championship (6) | ![]() |
7–3 (s) |
Winner | 11. | 2000 | World Matchplay (3) | ![]() |
18–12 (l) |
Winner | 12. | 2000 | World Grand Prix (3) | ![]() |
6–1 (s) |
Winner | 13. | 2001 | World Darts Championship (7) | ![]() |
7–0 (s) |
Winner | 14. | 2001 | World Matchplay (4) | ![]() |
18–10 (l) |
Winner | 15. | 2002 | World Darts Championship (8) | ![]() |
7–0 (s) |
Winner | 16. | 2002 | Las Vegas Desert Classic | ![]() |
3–0 (s) |
Winner | 17. | 2002 | World Matchplay (5) | ![]() |
18–16 (l) |
Winner | 18. | 2002 | World Grand Prix (4) | ![]() |
7–3 (s) |
Runner-up | 2. | 2003 | World Darts Championship | ![]() |
6–7 (s) |
Winner | 19. | 2003 | UK Open | ![]() |
18–8 (l) |
Winner | 20. | 2003 | World Matchplay (6) | ![]() |
18–12 (l) |
Winner | 21. | 2003 | World Grand Prix (5) | ![]() |
7–2 (s) |
Winner | 22. | 2004 | World Darts Championship (9) | ![]() |
7–6 (s) |
Winner | 23. | 2004 | Las Vegas Desert Classic (2) | ![]() |
6–4 (s) |
Winner | 24. | 2004 | World Matchplay (7) | ![]() |
18–8 (l) |
Winner | 25. | 2005 | World Darts Championship (10) | ![]() |
7–4 (s) |
Winner | 26. | 2005 | Premier League Darts | ![]() |
16–4 (l) |
Winner | 27. | 2005 | UK Open (2) | ![]() |
13–7 (l) |
Winner | 28. | 2005 | Las Vegas Desert Classic (3) | ![]() |
6–1 (s) |
Winner | 29. | 2005 | World Grand Prix (6) | ![]() |
7–1 (s) |
Winner | 30. | 2006 | World Darts Championship (11) | ![]() |
7–0 (s) |
Winner | 31. | 2006 | World Series of Darts | ![]() |
13–5 (l) |
Winner | 32. | 2006 | Premier League Darts (2) | ![]() |
16–6 (l) |
Winner | 33. | 2006 | World Matchplay (8) | ![]() |
18–11 (l) |
Winner | 34. | 2006 | World Grand Prix (7) | ![]() |
7–4 (s) |
Runner-up | 3. | 2007 | World Darts Championship | ![]() |
6–7 (s) |
Winner | 35. | 2007 | US Open (2) | ![]() |
4–1 (s) |
Winner | 36. | 2007 | Premier League Darts (3) | ![]() |
16–6 (l) |
Winner | 37. | 2007 | Grand Slam of Darts | ![]() |
18–11 (l) |
Winner | 38. | 2008 | US Open (3) | ![]() |
3–0 (s) |
Winner | 39. | 2008 | Premier League Darts (4) | ![]() |
16–8 (l) |
Winner | 40. | 2008 | Las Vegas Desert Classic (4) | ![]() |
13–7 (l) |
Winner | 41. | 2008 | World Matchplay (9) | ![]() |
18–9 (l) |
Winner | 42. | 2008 | World Grand Prix (8) | ![]() |
6–2 (s) |
Winner | 43. | 2008 | Championship League Darts | ![]() |
7–5 (s) |
Winner | 44. | 2008 | European Championship | ![]() |
11–5 (l) |
Winner | 45. | 2008 | Grand Slam of Darts (2) | ![]() |
18–9 (l) |
Winner | 46. | 2009 | World Darts Championship (12) | ![]() |
7–1 (s) |
Winner | 47. | 2009 | Players Championship Finals | ![]() |
16–9 (l) |
Winner | 48. | 2009 | UK Open (3) | ![]() |
11–6 (l) |
Winner | 49. | 2009 | Las Vegas Desert Classic (5) | ![]() |
13–11 (l) |
Winner | 50. | 2009 | World Matchplay (10) | ![]() |
18–4 (l) |
Winner | 51. | 2009 | World Grand Prix (9) | ![]() |
6–3 (s) |
Runner-up | 4. | 2009 | Championship League Darts | ![]() |
4–6 (l) |
Winner | 52. | 2009 | European Championship (2) | ![]() |
11–3 (l) |
Winner | 53. | 2009 | Grand Slam of Darts (3) | ![]() |
16–2 (l) |
Winner | 54. | 2010 | World Darts Championship (13) | ![]() |
7–3 (s) |
Winner | 55. | 2010 | Premier League Darts (5) | ![]() |
10–8 (l) |
Winner | 56. | 2010 | UK Open (4) | ![]() |
11–5 (l) |
Winner | 57. | 2010 | US Open (4) | ![]() |
6–3 (l) |
Winner | 58. | 2010 | World Matchplay (11) | ![]() |
18–12 (l) |
Winner | 59. | 2010 | European Championship (3) | ![]() |
11–1 (l) |
Runner-up | 5. | 2010 | Championship League Darts | ![]() |
5–6 (l) |
Winner | 60. | 2011 | Players Championship Finals (2) | ![]() |
13–12 (l) |
Winner | 61. | 2011 | World Matchplay (12) | ![]() |
18–8 (l) |
Winner | 62. | 2011 | European Championship (4) | ![]() |
11–8 (l) |
Winner | 63. | 2011 | World Grand Prix (10) | ![]() |
6–3 (s) |
Winner | 64. | 2011 | Championship League Darts (2) | ![]() |
6–1 (l) |
Winner | 65. | 2011 | Grand Slam of Darts (4) | ![]() |
16–4 (l) |
Winner | 66. | 2012 | Premier League Darts (6) | ![]() |
10–7 (l) |
Runner-up | 6. | 2012 | UK Open | ![]() |
5–11 (l) |
Winner | 67. | 2012 | World Matchplay (13) | ![]() |
18–15 (l) |
Winner | 68. | 2012 | Championship League Darts (3) | ![]() |
6–4 (l) |
Winner | 69. | 2012 | Players Championship Finals (3) | ![]() |
13–6 (l) |
Winner | 70. | 2013 | World Darts Championship (14) | ![]() |
7–4 (s) |
Runner-up | 7. | 2013 | Premier League Darts | ![]() |
8–10 (l) |
Winner | 71. | 2013 | UK Open (5) | ![]() |
11–4 (l) |
Winner | 72. | 2013 | World Matchplay (14) | ![]() |
18–13 (l) |
Other wins
- Antwerp Darts Trophy: 2008
- Antwerp Open: 1997, 1998
- Australian Open: 2012
- Battle of the Champions: 1997
- Berlin Open: 1993
- Bobby Bourn Memorial: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
- British Pentathlon: 1990, 1991
- Canadian Open: 1988
- Center Parcs Masters: 1996
- Champion Vs Champion: 1999, 2004
- China Telecom Cup: 2004
- Dartgala Hengelo: 2005, 2005, 2005
- Denmark Open: 1990
- DPA Tournament of Champions: 2012
- Eastbourne Pro: 2002
- Finnish Open: 1990
- German Darts Championship: 2007, 2009
- Gleneagle Irish Masters: 2009
- Hemeco Open Rosmalen: 2009, 2011
- Ireland Open Autumn Classic: 2004, 2005
- Isle Of Man Open: 1990
- Jersey Festival Of Darts: 1990, 1999
- Jocky Wilson Cup: 2009
- Killarney Pro Tour: 2009
- London Masters: 2008
- Masters Of Darts: 2005
- MDA Face Off: 2010
- Montreal Open: 2001, 2002
- Munich Open: 2006
- News of the World Tournament: 1997
- North American Cup: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
- North American Open: 1990, 1991
- Open Lunteren: 2011
- PDC UK Masters: 1994
- PDC UK Matchplay: 1996
- PDC World Cup of Darts: 2012, 2013
- PDC World Pairs: 1996
- Pontins British Masters: 1990
- RTL7 Masters: 2011
- South African Masters: 2007, 2008, 2009
- Sunparks Masters: 1996
- WDF Europe Cup: 1990, 1992
- WDF Europe Cup Pairs: 1990
- World Cricket Championship: 2010
European Tour Events
Players championships
- Players Championships (Austria): 2010
- Players Championships (Bristol): 2008
- Players Championships (Derby): 2010, 2010
- Players Championships (Eindhoven): 2008, 2008
- Players Championships (Germany): 2008, 2008, 2009, 2009
- Players Championships (Gibraltar): 2009, 2009
- Players Championships (Netherlands): 2005, 2005, 2007, 2007
- Players Championships (Ireland): 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
- Players Championships (Las Vegas): 2008
- Players Championships (English Midlands): 2008
- Players Championships (Nuland): 2009, 2009
- Players Championships (Reading): 2012
- Players Championships (Southern England): 2008, 2009
- Players Championships (Wales): 2005, 2006
- Players Championships (Wigan): 2010, 2011, 2011
UK Open Regionals
- UK Open Regional (Ireland): 2002, 2004
- UK Open Regional (English Midlands): 2008, 2009
- UK Open Regional (North West England): 2008
- UK Open Regional (South West England): 2009
- UK Open Regional (Southern England): 2003, 2007, 2009
- UK Open Regional (Wales): 2002, 2004, 2006
- UK Open Qualifier: 2010, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012, 2012
Performance timeline
Tournament | 1988 | 1989 | 1990 | 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BDO World Championship | DNP | W | QF | W | 2R | No longer a BDO Member | |||||||||||||||||||||
PDC World Championship | Not yet founded | RU | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | W | RU | W | W | W | RU | QF | W | W | QF | 2R | W | ||||||
Winmau World Masters | 2R | SF | W | RU | 1R | Did not participate | |||||||||||||||||||||
World Matchplay | Not held | 2R | W | 2R | W | QF | SF | W | W | W | W | W | QF | W | SF | W | W | W | W | W | W | ||||||
World Grand Prix | Not held | W | W | W | 1R | W | W | 1R | W | W | 1R | W | W | SF | W | 2R | |||||||||||
World Darts Trophy | Not held | Did not participate | W | RU | Not held | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Las Vegas Desert Classic | Not held | W | SF | W | W | SF | 1R | W | W | Not held | |||||||||||||||||
UK Open | Not held | W | QF | W | QF | QF | QF | W | W | 5R | RU | W | |||||||||||||||
Premier League Darts | Not held | W | W | W | W | SF | W | SF | W | RU | |||||||||||||||||
US Open/WSoD | Not held | W | W | W | A | W | Not held | ||||||||||||||||||||
Grand Slam of Darts | Not held | W | W | W | QF | W | 2R | ||||||||||||||||||||
European Championship | Not held | W | W | W | W | QF | 2R | ||||||||||||||||||||
Championship League | Not held | W | RU | RU | W | W | |||||||||||||||||||||
Players Championship Finals | Not held | W | SF | W 2R | W |
High averages
Taylor has recorded the majority of the highest ever televised averages in the PDC, including the highest ever.[76] This was achieved in round four of the 2010 UK Open, in which he averaged 118.66 in a 9–0 win over Kevin Painter.[197] He also holds the record for the highest average in a PDC World Championship final of 110.94 which he set whilst beating Raymond van Barneveld in 2009.[60] In February 2012, Taylor achieved the highest ever average without actually winning the match, as he drew 7–7 with Adrian Lewis in the Premier League with an average of 112.79.[198]
Rank | Average | Player | Score | Opponent | Tournament | Stage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 118.66 | ![]() |
9–0 (L) | Kevin Painter ![]() |
2010 UK Open | Round 4 |
2 | 118.14 | ![]() |
10–3 (L) | Gary Anderson ![]() |
2009 European Championship | Quarter Finals |
3 | 117.35 | ![]() |
8–4 (L) | Simon Whitlock ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
4 | 116.10 | ![]() |
8–1 (L) | James Wade ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
5 | 116.01 | ![]() |
8–3 (L) | John Part ![]() |
2009 Premier League | League |
6 | 115.62 | ![]() |
10–0 (L) | Mark Lawrence ![]() |
2009 UK Open | Quarter-finals |
7 | 115.51 | ![]() |
9–3 (L) | Ken Mather ![]() |
2009 UK Open | Round 4 |
8 | 114.99 | ![]() |
10–6 (L) | Barrie Bates ![]() |
2010 World Matchplay | Round 1 |
9 | 114.54 | ![]() |
9–3 (L) | Wes Newton ![]() |
2008 UK Open | Round 5 |
10 | 114.15 | ![]() |
6–0 (L) | Davy Richardson ![]() |
2004 International Darts League | Last 32 group |
11 | 113.92 | ![]() |
9–3 (L) | Mervyn King ![]() |
2008 European Championship | Round 2 |
12 | 113.92 | ![]() |
8–4 (L) | Adrian Lewis ![]() |
2011 RTL 7 Masters | Poule |
13 | 113.60 | ![]() |
8–3 (L) | Raymond van Barneveld ![]() |
2011 RTL 7 Masters | Final |
14 | 113.43 | ![]() |
8–0 (L) | Gary Mawson ![]() |
1997 World Matchplay | Round 1 |
15 | 113.33 | ![]() |
11–7 (L) | Robert Thornton ![]() |
2008 European Championship | Semi-finals |
16 | 113.30 | ![]() |
8–2 (L) | Kevin Painter ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
17 | 113.04 | ![]() |
6–1 (L) | Terry Jenkins ![]() |
2012 European Championship | Round 1 |
18 | 112.91 | ![]() |
8–4 (L) | Raymond van Barneveld ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
19 | 112.79 | ![]() |
7–7 (L) | Adrian Lewis ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
20 | 112.68 | ![]() |
11–1 (L) | Adrian Lewis ![]() |
2008 Premier League | Semi-finals |
21 | 112.56 | ![]() |
11–8 (L) | Adrian Lewis ![]() |
2005 UK Open | Round 6 |
22 | 112.28 | ![]() |
8–6 (L) | Kevin Painter ![]() |
2012 Premier League | League |
23 | 112.17 | ![]() |
16–7 (L) | Chris Mason ![]() |
2002 World Matchplay | Quarter-finals |
Legend | |
---|---|
Average was achieved by Phil Taylor | |
L | Game was in legs |
S | Game was in sets |
Notes
Footnotes
Citations
- ^ a b "Unicorn Darts – Phase 5". Unicorn Darts. Retrieved 12 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Phil Taylor profile". PDC. 26 January 2010. Retrieved 24 July 2010.
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- ^ a b Walley, Tony (4 January 2010). "Darts champion to attend civic reception". Stoke-on-Trent Pits n Pots. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
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- ^ BBC (6 January 2003). "Part relishes Taylor triumph". BBC. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
- ^ "Phil Taylor player profile". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
- ^ BBC Press Office (4 December 2006). "BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2006 shortlist unveiled". Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts. BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
- ^ "Sports Personality of the Year 2010: Phil Taylor". Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts. BBC Sport. 29 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
- ^ a b "Historic Taylor nails TWO 9 darters in Premier League triumph!". Unicorn: The Big Name in Darts. Unicorn. 24 May 2010. pp. "Unicorn Darts News" section. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
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- ^ a b "2008 European Championship Results". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 5 September 2010. Cite error: The named reference "2008ECD" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
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- ^ a b "Taylor Claims 14th World Title". pdc.tv. 4 January 2009. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
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- ^ BBC Sport - Jockey Tony McCoy wins Sports Personality of the Year. Bbc.co.uk (2010-12-19). Retrieved on 2013-08-13.
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- ^ "Nine-Dart Taylor Claims Reading Win". PDC. 10 March 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
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- ^ "Taylor's Berlin Delight". PDC. Retrieved 24 June 2012.
- ^ Eurosport
- ^ "2012 PDC World Championship Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
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- ^ "I don't fear Phil Taylor in semi-final, insists Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld". Daily Record. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Ladbrokes WDC Semi-Finals". PDC. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
- ^ "Phil Taylor And Raymond Van Barneveld's Scuffle". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ "Phil Taylor considering his future after bust-up with Raymond van Barneveld". Sky Sports. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
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- ^ "Betfair World Cup of Darts - Last 16". PDC. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
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- ^ a b "McCoy's Premier League Darts Night 14". PDC. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
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- ^ "Double despair for The Power! Beaten Taylor told there is no room in the car park". Daily Mail. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "2013 UK Open Order Of Merit". PDC. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
- ^ "Speedy Services UK Open - Fifth Round". PDC. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
- ^ "Taylor's Speedy Services UK Open Glory". PDC. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
- ^ "Super Taylor Wins Gibraltar Darts Trophy". PDC. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
- ^ "partypoker.net Euro Champs - Round Two". PDC. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
- ^ "Super Taylor's BetVictor World Matchplay Win". PDC. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
- ^ a b "Phil Taylor V Dennis Priestley Head To Head". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Kessel, Anna (17 December 2009). "Dennis Priestley survives the arrows of misfortune – but he still needs a drink". Guardian. London. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "Phil 'The Power' Taylor: I'd love to play Jesus at darts". Daily Mail. London. 23 July 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "Barneveld Tops Co Stompe in Las Vegas Classic Dutch Darts Shootout". The Oche. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ "1994 Lakeside World Championship Results". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ "John Part Bio". John Part. 14 July 2006. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
- ^ a b "2001 PDC World Championship Results". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
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- ^ "2006 Premier League Results". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
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- ^ "Raymond van Barneveld". PDC. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
- ^ Wide, John. "Barney dethrones Taylor in thriller". Sporting life. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
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- ^ "PDC World No.1 Register". PDPA. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
- ^ a b "2008 Premier League Results". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
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- ^ "Brilliant Taylor Retains Title". PDC. 25 July 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
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- ^ a b "Michael van Gerwen: Is Mighty Mike the next dominant force?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
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- ^ "Grand Slam of Darts diary: Michael van Gerwen floors Phil Taylor to reach the last eight". The Mirror. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Seventh Heaven For Van Gerwen". PDC. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
- ^ "Drama, excitement, bust ups, close matches, great performances and two nine-dart finishes: Taylor versus Van Gerwen is a fitting end to a thrilling World Championship". Daily Mail. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Mighty Mike turns off The Power! Van Gerwen launches stunning comeback to beat Taylor to win Premier League title". Daily Mail. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Speedy Services UK Open Quarter-Finals". PDC. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
- ^ Phil Taylor, Chris Mason (players) (2002). Phil Taylor (Television production). Blackpool: Sky Sports. Event occurs at 0:32–1:43. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ Phil Taylor, Matt Chapman (players) (2004). phil taylor 9darts vs matt chapman uk open (Television production). Bolton: Sky Sports. Event occurs at 0:00–1:01. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ Phil Taylor, Roland Scholten (players) (12 June 2005). Phil Taylor 9 Darter 2005 (Television production). Bolton: Sky Sports. Event occurs at 0:50–1:58. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld (players) (8 May 2007). Phil Taylors fourth perfect game – another 9 Darter (Television production) (in Dutch). Nijmegen. Event occurs at 0:06–1:06. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ Phil Taylor, Wes Newton (players) (9 June 2007). Phil Taylor 9 darter – UK Open 2007 (Television production). Bolton: Sky Sports. Event occurs at 0:09–1:18. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ "Phil Taylor". Unicorn. 31st paragraph from bottom. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: location (link) - ^ Phil Taylor, Jamie Harvey (players) (7 June 2008). Phil Taylor – nine dart finish at UK Open (2008) (Television production). Bolton: Sky Sports. Event occurs at 0:24–1:37. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ^ "Taylor perfect in Bolton". Sky Sports. 8 June 2008. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ Francis, Nick (1 January 2009). "Make darts an Olympic Sport". The Sun. London. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ "The Power : my autobiography, Phil Taylor with Sid Waddell". East Sussex County Council. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
{{cite web}}
: no-break space character in|title=
at position 10 (help) - ^ Norrish, Mike (29 May 2009). "A quickie with...Phil Taylor". Telegraph. London. Retrieved 14 August 2010.
- ^ "Darts champion Phil Taylor honoured by Stoke". BBC Sport. 8 January 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2011.
- ^ "Darts star fined over assaults". BBC Sport. 1 May 2001. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "Grope shame darts ace stripped of MBE". The People. 6 January 2002. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ Kimmage, Paul (15 March 2009). "Phil Taylor: Portrait of the dartist". The Sunday Times. last paragraph. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "A Question of Sport". Mind the zap. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Star Spell". BBC. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Celebrity Eggheads, Series 2, Episode 10". BBC. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Corrie has The Power: Darts ace and Coronation Street fan Phil Taylor joins the cast". Daily Mail. London. 12 December 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ Blackburn, Jen (8 December 2008). "Power to the people". The Sun. London. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
- ^ "Chas & Stars Record Charity Single". Planet Darts. 8 March 2012.
- ^ "Darts Database Player Stats". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
- ^ "Phil Taylor Head To Head List". Dartsdatabase. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
- ^ "PDC Order of Merit". dartsdatabase.co.uk. Retrieved 31 July 2010.
- ^ "BBC Sports Personality Of The Year 2006 shortlist unveiled". BBC. 4 December 2006. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
- ^ "1990 BDO World Championship Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "1990 World Masters Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "1991 World Masters Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "1992 BDO World Championship Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "2006 World Darts Trophy Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "2007 World Darts Trophy Results". Darts Database. Retrieved 16 February 2012.
- ^ "Phil Taylor Player Profile". Darts Database. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
- ^ "Phil Taylor smashes world record average for a televised game". Daily Mail. London. 5 June 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2010.
- ^ "McCoy's Premier League Darts – Night One Round-Up". PDC. 10 February 2012. Retrieved 11 February 2012.
External links
- PhilThePower.com Official Website
- Player profile for Phil Taylor from Dartsdatabase
- Phil Taylor interview on 6 Towns radio 22 October 2011
- Phil Taylor profile on Darts Betting News