For the first time in many years, Phil Taylor goes into a ‘Major’ event missing the tag of favourite.
As we head for Blackpool for the second biggest tournament in world darts, Taylor goes to the Winter Gardens as defending champion but only second favourite…..that honour goes to World Champion Raymond Van Barneveld.
Is it a sign of the changing times or is it just a one-off experience? There is no doubt that Taylor is at his most dangerous, when he is being written off and he has been working extremely hard on his game, since his shock 1st Round exit at the hands of Mark Dudbridge in Las Vegas.
DEDICATION is Taylor’s buzz word and the hours and hours of practice over the last three weeks show that he is in the mood to bounce straight back from recent disappointments.
“Ray is in great touch at the moment and deserves the success that he’s enjoyed but Blackpool is my turf! I love the tournament, the atmosphere, the fans and the occasion and I am determined to put on a show.”
Barney heads to Blackpool for his first World Matchplay, while Taylor is looking to extend his terrific record to nine victories at the Winter Gardens…..the 13-Times World Champion has looked out of sorts in the last two TV ‘Majors’ but has no complaints.
“I was beaten fair and square by Raymond at the UK Open and by Mark in Las Vegas, so I go back to basics and will be in the groove.”
Taylor faces up to Team Unicorn stablemate Wes Newton in the 1st Round on Monday night….you may remember that Newton gave Taylor a real run for his money at the UK Open. It was five legs apiece, before Taylor produced that magical 9-darter and he ran away with the match.
But the Fleetwood star has been in good form over the last few months and he will know that if you are going to catch Taylor, the 1st Round may be the place to do it.
It looks like being the best field ever assembled for a World Matchplay and the 1st Round has thrown up some terrific matches. Team Unicorn heads the field but the addition of Barney, Michael Van Gerwen and Mervyn King could make this THE best World Matchplay ever, as the event reaches its 14th year…..and of course, there is the little matter of £50,000 for the winner.
Kevin Painter kicks-off the whole event against qualifier Adrian Gray…..’The Artist’ has a poor record in Blackpool…..will this be the year he finally proves his worth? Painter has certainly returned to some sort of form over the last few months…..the opening night also features Mardle against Dudbridge and Scholten against Mason.
Bob Anderson, who has played in every World Matchplay since the tournament started back in 1994, faces Ronnie Baxter on Monday, while Welshman Barrie Bates plays ‘The Pie Man’ Andy Smith…..and what a line-up for Monday night!
Taylor against Newton, Colin Osborne, who has enjoyed a terrific six months, plays Dennis Priestley, Peter Manley is involved in one of the matches of the 1st Round against Van Gerwen and the same can be said for 2005 Blackpool winner Colin Lloyd, who takes on Mervyn King.
The other Team Unicorn stars come into the equation on Tuesday……it’s Andy Hamilton against Mick McGowan. Both have struggled recently but Hamilton boosted his confidence by winning The Midlands Open and of course 12 months ago, he was involved in that epic semi-final against Taylor.
Last year’s runner-up James Wade should be too good for Wayne Jones but Wade was disappointing at both the UK Open and Las Vegas Desert Classic, so will have to raise his game this week. Victory could mean a showdown with Osborne in round two. Adrian Lewis is being tipped for strong show. He plays Steve Beaton and then could come a mouth-watering 2nd Round clash with either Hamilton or McGowan.
The Unicorn website will be updated regularly from the Winter Gardens, so stay in touch for all the news, stories and gossip from Blackpool!
BY STUART PYKE