Taylor on track
Phil Taylor’s quest for a sixth World Grand Prix title moved a step closer in Dublin as he outplayed Mark Dudbridge in a high-scoring quarter-final encounter.
Taylor finished with a three-dart average of 98.86 after his 4-0 win – which is remarkable when considering the Skybet-sponsored event uses a double-start format.
Taylor also scored eight 180s in the contest, while Dudbridge weighed in with five of his own.
The writing was on the wall when Taylor reeled off the first three legs, scoring three maximums in the process.
Dudbridge showed his class with a brilliant 160 checkout in the second set but Taylor edged it with a successful attempt at double four.
The next set also came down to a deciding leg, which Taylor clinched with a 103 checkout.
The Bristol-based player won just one more leg – a 112 finish – before Taylor closed out the match with double top.
“I gave Mark a lot of respect tonight because his finishing was superb,” said Taylor.
“It was a bit like a boxing match and I just had to hit him as hard and as quick as I could.
“I’ve pushed myself hard tonight because I wanted to perform and do the business.
“I really want to win this tournament. Sometimes you can get a bit complacent and lose that bit of fight – but tonight I had it back.”
