Taylor Powers to title
Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor won the inaugural 888.com Premier League Darts title after breezing past world number one Colin ‘Jaws’ Lloyd 16-4.
The 12-times world champion, who had to come back from 11-7 down in his semi-final to reach the last two, was never in any danger after breaking Lloyd in the fourth game.
Power looked a different player to the one nearly beaten yesterday by Holland’s Roland Scholten and said: “I think what I did different tonight was slow down and take my time.
“I’d had a good night’s sleep and my back felt a little better and I think that made all the difference.
“After my performance against Roland I knew I would have to come out of the blocks firing and with those two early attempts at 170 I think Colin knew he was going to be in a tough match.
“I must say though that I don’t think the score truly reflects the game, Colin missed crucial doubles but I think it’s a case that some players just bring out the best in me.”
Lloyd did manage six maximums compared to Taylor’s five but he missed too many doubles to stay competitive.
He said afterwards: “Congratulations to Phil – that is why he has been world champion 12 times.
“It might have looked like I had given up at some stages but I can assure you I didn’t – I do get disheartened when I play like that but I never give in.”
