Phil Taylor tonight claimed his eighth Stan James World Matchplay title with an impressive victory over rising star James Wade in Blackpool.
'The Power', beaten by Dutch superstar Raymond van Barneveld in the last two majors, showed his class in the latter stages to secure an 18-11 victory at the Winter Gardens.
But Wade, 23, who became a full-time professional just 12 days before the tournament started, only enhanced his growing reputation with a mature display. Wade made a dream start in his first major final, racing into a 4-1 lead at the first interval.
Taylor responded with a 136 checkout in the eighth leg but still trailed 6-4 when they left the stage for a second time.
The pivotal moment came in the 19th leg as Taylor moved ahead for the first time thanks to a successful attempt at double 16.
The 45-year-old, like all true champions, is a great front-runner and he checked out 140 to move two clear.
Wade tried to fight his way back into the contest - but Taylor had too much firepower and won seven of the next nine legs to wrap up victory.
'When James went ahead at the start I was struggling to get my darts back. I couldn't see a weakness in him," admitted Taylor, who finished the match with a three-dart average of 100.08.
'One thing James will take from this week is that he doesn't have to talk about his darts - his darts do the talking for him. He played well, what a star.'
Taylor was determined to win back the title after Colin Lloyd defeated John Part in last year's final.
'It feels like the first time (I won the title) tonight,' added Taylor.
'This tournament is getting better and bigger. The game of darts at the moment is huge, and it's only going to get bigger.
'To win in this venue is just unbelievable. They shout, they cheer, they whistle, they clap. If I was standing out there I think I'd be cheering as well.'
Wade said afterwards: 'I will never forget this week - I hope it's the first of many. It's been absolutely brilliant.
'I was bit concerned when I was leading at the start because I wasn't playing well and he wasn't playing well.
'I would rather him hit me straight away with his best darts - it was like the calm before the storm.
'To play against the world's best, you can't say any more. I think the occasion got to me a little but I will be ready for it next time.'
