Darts: Taylor eyes nine-dart finish
Friday, 25 October 2002 16:38Phil Taylor has his sights set on another magical nine-dart finish in Dublin this weekend, although he admits it will be a tough task. The double start format of the Paddy Power World Grand Prix makes the nine-darter more difficult than in other tournaments, but if one man is capable of achieving this amazing feat it has to be 'The Power'. The world number one has not yet hit top form this week, although he has already seen off Keith Deller and Irish darts legend Jack McKenna.
Taylor had to overcome a vociferous crowd at the capital's CityWest Hotel to book his place in the quarter-finals last night. Taylor eased to a 2-0 win and admitted he needs to be really tested if a nine-dart finish is to be broadcast live on Sky for a second time this year.
"It (the nine-darter) is on my mind," said Taylor, who produced one at the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool during the summer. He continued: "It's difficult for me because my darts drop low, so when I do start with double top it's difficult for me to hit the 160. Maybe I'll have to drop down to treble 19s, but it's going to be on more when I'm pushed by an opponent."
Although Taylor has hit many nine-dart finishes in practice, he has never produced one in this format of the game. The Stoke man revealed: "I have never hit one in this format in practice. I've done it in normal darts but not this way."
However, Taylor's main goal is to win the tournament and the next opponent in his way is Manchester qualifier Mark Holden. He added: "I want to win this event. I'm definitely here to win it and I'm looking forward to tonight. I don't even know who I could face in the semi-finals if I win tonight. I'm just thinking about the man in front of me - that's all I can do."
Filed by Shane Murray
