Before he claimed victory in last month’s
BetVictor World Matchplay life wasn’t so great
for Phil Taylor.
“I’ve had a nightmare time for the last six months
and it was so embarrassing for me - the worst time
in my career. I’ve been ridiculed on the street and
getting stick, and I’ve never had that in my career
before,” he told the PDC in a recent interview.
Having made significant changes to his lifestyle
during the early part of 2014, including a rapid weight
loss and a change in darts manufacturer, Taylor had
struggled to find top form, at times looking nervous
on the big stage and failing to win a single major
since the World Grand Prix last October, a run which
was one of the worst in his career.
The poor form culminated in
a semi-final loss to Raymond
van Barneveld in the Premier
League, during which Taylor never
really looked comfortable, particularly
with his darts setup although he now believes
that the hard work of his new sponsors Target
has paid off.
“I’ve played rubbish this year but everything’s come
together and my equipment’s right, and I think I can
do better averages than ever before,” he said.
“When I got to Blackpool and started practising
before the first round, Wes Newton was watching
me and he said he knew I was
back playing proper darts. The
other players know that if they
want to beat me they’re going
to have to play well now.”
want to win everything I enter, and I’m going to keep
setting targets.”
“I want to keep winning and keep setting records
so that these young people coming through have
something to aim for.”
“I’m buzzing now and really excited about the next
few months.”
Of course if Taylor is to get back to his dominant
ways he will have to deal with the electric darts of
a certain Michael van Gerwen, but Taylor is up for
the battle.
“Michael’s a great competitor and we’ll have loads
more battles,” said Taylor. “I love him to bits and
you could see in Blackpool how much it meant to
him.”
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and he gave it his
all. I don’t feel sorry for him because he’s beaten me
a few times this year too, but
he’s only young and he’ll learn
from it and move on.”
“I want to get back
to world number
one again and to
win back the World
Championship.”
Of course we all know what
happened next, and following an
incredible run of performances
that saw Taylor lift his fifteenth Matchplay crown he
now believes he has what it takes to return to World
Number One.
“Last week in Blackpool was great for me and I want
to kick on from here now,” said Taylor. “I want to get
back to world number one again and to win back the
World Championship.”
“That’s not because people had been writing me off,
but I want