Phil Taylor is confident that Stoke-on-Trent will be well represented in professional darts for years to come following his thrilling semi-final win over Andy Hamilton at the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool.
'The Power' inflicted a 17-11 defeat on Hamilton at the Winter Gardens to set up a final showdown with young gun James Wade later tonight - but the result does not tell the full story.
Hamilton, whose three-dart average was over 100, registered 12 180s compared to Taylor's four and just missed double 12 for a nine-darter.
With Adrian Lewis - Taylor's practice partner - also making a name for himself on the PDC circuit, the future looks bright for the 13-time world champion's home city.
'I think Adrian at the moment doesn't realise how good he is, but I think Andy realised last night how good he is,' said Taylor, who was also on course for a nine-darter after seven perfect darts in the 24th leg.
'He knows he can do it now and all the players will have to be wary. Andy is one of the big boys now.
'I knew he was good - he's been good for four or five years - but he's starting to realise it now.'
