Taylor claimed a fine 7-3 victory in front of 9,000 fans at the 3Arena
Friday 7 April 2017 16:56, UK
Phil Taylor said it was an "extra special moment playing Raymond van Barneveld in Dublin" after claiming a fine victory in what could be the great rivals' final encounter.
Taylor produced an excellent display to claim a fine 7-3 victory in front of 9,000 fans at the 3Arena in Dublin and then paid tribute to the Dutchman after the match.
"Raymond's playing some great darts and he always seems to be there, and over the years we've had so many great battles. Playing him in Dublin was extra special," said the six-time Premier League champion.
After the pair traded 121 bullseye checkouts in the early stages, Taylor pulled into a 4-1 lead by taking out 85 and a 13-darter.
Van Barneveld took out 124 as he pulled back to 4-3, but he was crucially unable to level as a pair of double 16 finishes pushed Taylor clear again before he took out 66 to seal victory.
"It's two points in the bag and it keeps me up there in the league table," Taylor said. "I'm still enjoying it and still trying to get into the play-offs."
Van Barneveld later returned to the stage to defeat Wade 7-2 to keep up the heat on the leading pack.
After Wade took the opening leg, Van Barneveld hit two 14-darters to move 3-1 up and also hit legs of 13 and 12 darts in pulling clear with four straight legs to claim the points.
"I was never close to winning the game against Phil but I had to focus and prepare for the game with James because I knew there was another two points to get," said Van Barneveld.
"Phil played an awesome game and his finishing was fantastic, so fair play to him, he beat me fair and square and it made it hard for me but I'm happy to get the two points against James."
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