Thursday 12 November 2015 10:07, UK
Phil Taylor is becoming "unreliable" after struggling to victory over Terry Jenkins at the Grand Slam, says Wayne Mardle.
The defending champion appeared in serious danger of defeat while trailing 4-0, but reeled off six legs in a row before completing a gritty 10-6 win to reach the quarter-finals in Wolverhampton.
But 'The Power' next faces a tough clash against Robert Thornton, the World Grand Prix champion, and Sky Sports expert Mardle believes the Scot will not be daunted by this encounter.
"He will absolutely love it. He's got no reason to be scared of him, at all," said Mardle.
I think we've got to the point where Phil, maybe just maybe, is becoming unreliable, where he's been the most reliable sort of winner we have seen for the last 25 years.
"He's beaten Phil before in the UK Open final, this is only a quarter-final. Anyone can win that match.
"I think we've got to the point where Phil, maybe just maybe, is becoming unreliable, where he's been the most reliable sort of winner we have seen for the last 25 years.
"That wasn't the Phil Taylor we have come to know and the last group game against Rowby-John Rodriguez - that was sub-standard and so was that. He's got some work to do."
The 55-year-old Taylor admitted his relief after the match and Mardle believes he was mentally and physically drained.
"He got away with that Phil he really did, because that was a poor performance and he never looked settled at all," said Mardle.
"John Part said it, he looked exasperated. Where he should have been celebrating hitting a double last dart, it looked a case of relief.
"He looked really exhausted come the last leg. I thought he has to win this right now, otherwise Terry could mount some kind of comeback."
Watch Thursday's matches at the Grand Slam from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.
