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Sixteen time World Title champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has called Michael van Gerwen “the greatest” after the Dutchman beat the Brit 18-10 to retain his World Matchplay title in Blackpool.
Van Gerwen, who beat James Wade last year to claim his first World Matchplay title, lost the first leg, but dominated the rest of the match to win £100,000 in prize money.
After the match, Taylor said; “Darts has changed and this man (Van Gerwen) is the greatest as far as I’m concerned.”
The 55 year old, who has been at the top of the sport for some time, had never lost a Matchplay final before last night’s defeat,and admitted that he had to start “making changes.”
“My energy levels were not there and he bullied me. When he hits a good shot he lets you know,” he added.
“I’ve got to start making changes and that starts Monday morning. He is phenomenal – he is.”
Taylor last won the world title in 2013 and the World Matchplay in 2014, before 27 year old van Gerwen claimed his first title last year.
With age, and form, certainly on his side, we could well see the beginning of the end of Taylor’s phenomenal reign at the top of darts come to an end, with the Dutchman making huge strides in the sport.
