Phil Taylor underlined his superiority in the world of darts with a 7-3 win over plucky John Part to take the Paddy Power World Grand Prix title in Dublin. 'The Power' was fully switched on as he produced some majestic arrows to oust Part with some robot-like darts to ensure a clean sweep of the four televised competitions and put last year's first round exit at the hand of Kevin Painter firmly behind him.
'Darth Maple' had pushed the world number one all the way in the World Matchplay in Blackpool and he made Taylor work hard here in Ireland, but the latter found a different gear and enhanced his reputation as greatest player on the planet. The man from the Potteries took the first two legs of the opening set and although Part pulled one back, a superb 104 out-shot - T20, 4, D20, Taylor took the first set.
Taylor took the next set with D20 as his Canadian opponent failed to take a single leg. Part was hitting several 180s and turned the power off by hitting D20 to take the third set by three legs to two, the first set Taylor had dropped in the entire tournament.
Taylor hit back taking the next three legs to re-establish his lead at 3-1 in sets. It soon became four and then five as Eric Bristow's protégé proved his class despite the determined effort of Part at the oche. Part then finished 78 - T20, D8 to harbour hopes of a comeback as he reduced the deficit to 5-2 in sets.
The Canadian was giving everything to get back in the match and a phenomenal 106 out-shot -Bull, Bull, D16 saw him make it 5-3 as the Dublin crowd went crazy. However, despite Part playing out of his skin Taylor move within one set of victory at 6-3 with some electric double-shooting. Taylor then hit the D5 bed to taste victory at seven sets to three and completed the grand slam of darts – World Champion, Las Vegas Desert Classic Champion, Stan James World Matchplay Champion, Paddy Power World Grand Prix Champion.
"John played brilliantly. At 5 sets to 1 I thought it was done and dusted but he came back with some superb darts. I really want to win this one this week, after going out last year at the first round and I’ve done it. It’s been a great year. Four tournaments and now I’ll focus on the World Championship title number eleven," said a delighted Taylor.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
