Darts: Relentless Taylor reaches full power
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Phil Taylor looked almost unstoppable in his pursuit of an 11th world title when he beat Wayne Mardle 6-2 in the semi-final of the PDC world championship here last night. He will now face Kevin Painter, who whitewashed the legendary Bob Anderson in today's final.
Taylor, who will be playing in his 13th successive final, got off to a flying start before a fightback from Wardle gave the packed house a sniff of some late-night drama. Taylor, however, responded to the challenge and won the final set 3-0 in rampant fashion.
With Taylor leading 5-1, Mardle enjoyed a purple patch and reeled off three successive legs before Taylor responded to clinch victory. Taylor said: "Now I can relax a bit. I'm guaranteed a good pay-day but I want that 11th world title. If I don't win I'll be absolutely gutted."
Painter was bitterly disappointed after crashing out of the World Matchplay event at the first-round stage five months ago. But that defeat, by Alex Roy, proved to be a turning point for the 35-year-old and he has looked a world-class performer this week.
Nicknamed "The Artist", Painter went quietly about his business with wins over Paul Williams, Ronnie Baxter and the talented newcomer Mark Dudbridge. But Painter, who lost a thrilling semi-final to the eventual champion, John Part, last year, moved through the gears against the 1988 world champion to secure a 6-0 whitewash. "I feel sorry for Bob because I wouldn't like that to happen to me," Painter said.
At Frimley Green, Raymond van Barneveld began the defence of his BDO world title by easily defeating the qualifier Peter Hunt in straight sets. The three-times champion did just enough to overcome the challenge of the unseeded New Zealander and will now met England's Paul Hogan in the second round.
Earlier, Hogan had easily disposed of the former quarter-finalist Bob Taylor. Hogan came from behind in the first two sets to win 3-0.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments