Saturday 25 July 2015 08:06, UK
Defending champion Phil Taylor has recaptured his ruthless finishing at just the right time in the World Matchplay, says Wayne Mardle.
The 54-year-old, a 15-time winner of the title, secured his place in Saturday night's semi-finals after dishing out a crushing 16-8 defeat to Dave Chisnall at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
In his previous matches Taylor had advanced with little drama, but he lacked his usual precision at the doubles, prompting suggestions that he could face a testing clash with Chisnall.
This concerns were swiftly brushed aside by 'The Power' as he racked up a run of nerveless checkouts, including a sizzling 161 finish.
Taylor will next face James Wade in the semis and Sky Sports expert Mardle feels the Stoke man has sent out an ominous warning to the remaining players.
"He is now a confident man, he is now someone who knows he can perform under pressure," said Mardle.
"He's felt that before, but I alluded to it earlier. He seems to have changed his mindset. His mindset against John Henderson was just throwing, he was playing well, he was in a rhythm but the doubles - there was no aggression there.
"He plays Dave, takes out the 130, takes out another 130, the 161. But before that, there were shots that people don't even think were overly good. A 25 finish, 56, 96, these are good two darters.
"The amount of time you see someone miss a bullseye and then miss the 25. Look, if you can get them done, you're playing well. Phil is now playing well."
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen, who fell to Taylor in last year's final, has also advanced to the last four and will take on Peter Wright as part of a thrilling line-up.
Anyone of the four can win it and that’s brilliant. There is plenty more drama to come. The quality will come out in the semi-finals and the final.
Mardle admits any of the remaining players are capable of lifting the trophy and is expecting an entertaining shootout in the closing weekend.
"For me, I now feel that Phil Taylor can win it and I didn't feel like that this time yesterday. I'm sure I'm not the only one to think that.
"Phil will probably have the edge against anyone, even Michael van Gerwen right now.
"Of course, James Wade can beat Taylor, they are all so good. Peter Wright could win this - he could take his first major - and Michael could win this for the first time, to add to his tally of titles. It's so tough to call.
"Anyone of the four can win it and that's brilliant. There is plenty more drama to come. The quality will come out in the semi-finals and the final. I don't think any of the remaining players will under perform and that's what should make this a fantastic event."
Watch the semi-finals at the World Matchplay from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.
