"Oh! I Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside. I do like to be beside the sea!”
Kiss me quick hats at the ready. Yes, big-time darts returns to Blackpool for a 21st year where 32 of the world’s finest arrows men will once again compete in the World Matchplay from July 19-27th, with Phil Taylor vying for a remarkable 15th title triumph at the world-famous Winter Gardens.
Arguably the 2nd biggest event in the PDC darting calendar behind the World Championships, it’s an event that like most other major PDC tournaments, has been thoroughly dominated by the Power who finds himself on a run of 30 consecutive victories within the glamorous confines of the Empress Ballroom; his last defeat dating back to 2007 when he was beaten in the semi-finals by Terry Jenkins. In fact, he’s only ever lost six matches, despite taking part in all twenty previous Matchplays.
2014 World Matchplay Preview
By Tarriq Ibrahim
Even with an average of 106, Adrian Lewis was unable to put an end to Taylor’s seemingly never-ending winning streak, as he went down 18-13 in last year’s final; Phil averaging 111.23, the highest ever average recorded in a Matchplay final, helping him to secure his 6th consecutive title.
But 12 months is a long time in darts and a lot has changed, particularly from Taylor’s perspective, and we’re not just referring to his move from Unicorn to Target Darts and his newly slimmer, trimmer waistline.
His lack of silverware in recent times and dip in form, triggered by his defeats to Michael van Gerwen in December’s Players Championship final and Michael Smith at the Alexandra Palace, means that we could potentially have a new name etched on the trophy.
Particularly as the field of 32 will include only one other person who has managed to emulate Phil on the Blackpool stage, James Wade, after Colin Lloyd misses out on qualifying for the first time in 15 years.
Winner in 2007, Wade has almost become the forgotten man after he was in many peoples’ eyes cruelly omitted from the Premier League line-up, a move on the part of Barry Hearn & co that will unquestionably make him a very dangerous proposition for whoever may cross his path on the oche.