The Desert Classic at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas has set the twin parameters of top world darts for the next couple of years I reckon.
Once again we had proof that the undoubted top of the tree is Phil Taylor. From his 109 average against Kevin Painter in outing one to his final victory over James Wade, Phil showed us a lean meanness that was awesome. He is trim and more ambitious than ever and how about this for cool? At five in the morning before the final Phil, was woken by a reveller who had just won $20,000 dollars living it up large. The Power stuck his head out of the room, gave a swift verbal then resumed his beauty sleep.
Over the next couple of years the Taylor/Wade clashes will dominate our sport. James is a natural, and the way he battled the clever tactics of Peter Manley in the semi-final was impressive. Manley slowed the game down in an attempt to break James’ momentum but it was no good.
Barney seems out of sorts, perhaps feeling the pace of world travelling. So I see as the main challengers to Phil and James as Andy Hamilton, Mervyn King – who had three legs in one match of 153, 125, 153 – and Kevin Painter; all have the hunger and the dedication needed to match the masters. We’ll see at Blackpool in a few days.
COMMENTARY BOX CAPERS
I nearly predicted a riot…
The commentary box was at the back of the hall and it seemed to have paper thin walls. During Taylor versus Painter I let out a yell that Phil clearly heard. Soundproofing was needed. So the US crew spent the night putting egg boxes, drapes and blankets on the inner walls. It worked…for a bit. Then I let out a Geordie whoop and a blanket fell off the wall and covered Dave Lanning! He looked like an old Piute Indian chief cut off in the middle of his Sound Dance.
Then during the semi-final I reduced Rod Harrington to giggling hysterics by jumping up at a great shot and stamping my left big toe with my right heel! But I will justify my excitement and acrobatics by stressing that even after 31 years of spieling I still get a buzz as the standards rise each time the darting geniuses take the stage.
ROLLING IN DOUGH
Barry Hearn was proud to announce that 5 million pounds a year will soon be the total of PDC prize money. There will be five £100,000 kitties available to the top lads, as well as the lesser glittering prizes. The news made Phil’s eyes sparkle. I recall when all you could win in darts was a Mini, a radiogram or a canteen of cutlery. So get practising out there…’cos it’s definitely GAME ON!