Taylor - I'm setting a trend

Dublin win is just the start, says former world champion

Last updated: 13th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Taylor - I'm setting a trend

Taylor: model professional

You have to be ultra-professional, you can't do what the old players used to do - I'm setting a trend and everyone seems to be copying me.

Phil Taylor
Quotes of the week

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Phil Taylor has set his sights on a 14th world title after his victory at the Sky Poker World Grand Prix.

The Stoke thrower saw off his great rival Raymond van Barneveld 6-2 in the Dublin final to confirm his return to form.

Taylor last won the world championship back in 2006 and admits reclaiming the biggest title in darts is a burning desire.

"The world championship is the one I'm after, everything else is a bonus." Taylor told Sky Sports News.

"Now I've got back to winning ways - I won in South Africa last week as well - it gives you a little edge."

Taylor, who maintains a strict practice and fitness regime, is also optimistic about the future of darts.

"You have to be ultra-professional, you can't do what the old players used to do - I'm setting a trend and everyone seems to be copying me," he added.

"It's fantastic and the image of our game has improved tremendously."

Comments (15)

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Mark Hilton says...

Another darts final goes by and another total non event. I agree with Martin Hall 100%, the PDC has now turned into a year long testimonial for Phil Taylor. They are providing him with a pension, whatever they raise th eprize money to, the more he getsm nobidy else wins any events so they may aswell just give him what he wants and divvy the rest out. At one poin tonight Sid Waddell, as he does in his own "my tongue is firmly resting up Taylor's behind" manner claimed (at 10-2) that this was "Great Sprt" THIS IS GREAT SPORT! Sport by it's very nature is competitive, two peopel or teams compete against each other. That wasn't sport it was, and his every tournament, a man taking on boys. Not sure how to sort it out bu tid they're not careful the pdc and sky will kill this sport by letting it continue for much longer but their huge bias towards "the phenom", "one of the 5 greatest sportsmen of all time" zzzz suggests as long as Taylor keeps getting is pay days they're happy. The crowd reaction at the "Greatest arena to watch darts", Blackpool was telling this evening, pins could be heard falling from beer covered tables. The crowd couldn't be bothered to cheer after about the 3rd leg. Why bother? Thats not a good evening out, it's boring. Everyone soon turned against Chelsea then Man Utd after winning the Premiership 2 seasons in a row and branded the league boring but in darts the obvious flaws in any challenge has passed the organisers by.

Posted 00:40 27th July 2009

Ryan Leggett says...

I'm not even going to bother talking about the Taylor should give up Darts debate, because everyone has articulated the reasons why he shouldn't, perfectly. Instead, I'll discuss how far away the rest of the field are at the moment. It's really quite scary how much better Phil is compared to the rest. Not only is he winning the big TV tournaments but he's dominating away from TV as well. He's a genius. When Peter Manley beat him in the PDL this year, a lot of people, including Darts pundits, thought his best was behind him. Not a chance. With these new darts he's better then ever, and that is ridiculous, because he was phenomeonal before. Barney kept up for several sets in Dublin but you could tell he wasn't going to go the distance. He needs to put in the hard work and start playing the circuit again if he's going to have a chance to live with the new Phil Taylor.

Posted 21:31 25th October 2008

Nick Taylor says...

Martin Hall obviously isn't a fan of darts. True fans of the game can only marvel at Phils talent. Its up to the rest of the players to raise their game to the level that Phil is at. Although of course Phil is extremely talented, it doesnt come entirely by birth right. He is one of the hardest workers in the game, constantly practising and being his own hardest critic as he strives for perfection. I love watching darts, I started off watching Bristow take the sport to new levels, and now have seen Taylor take it even further. Long may you reign Phil. BRITISH LEGEND.

Posted 22:03 14th October 2008

M Vaney says...

Its hard to remember that people were writing Phil off just a few months ago, saying that he had lost his ability to win on a consistent basis. Although Barney, Wade, and other players can make things interesting, watching (or listening to, as we usually have to do in the United States) Phil's resurgence has been amazing. Although I am sorry he did not reclaim his World Championship last year when we were able to go to London, we enjoyed seeing his return to form at the Desert Classic. After all, there's only one Phil Taylor.

Posted 16:27 14th October 2008

Eric Z says...

I think we should all thank Martin for his ridiculous comments about Phil Taylor. VERY entertaining. Hey Phil, you're killing the game of darts with your dominance. Shame on you, Phil! How COULD you be so selfish? Perhaps you could practise less to give others a better shot at beating you, don't ya think? Geeez! I mean, from all of those 180's to the 100+ averages you consistently put up - - and stepping 4 feet to the right of the oche just to smack a double-bull to win a tournament? - - talk about boring! I'm thinking you need to quit the game altogether and go back to making ceramic toilet handles, because you're putting all darts fans to sleep.

Posted 08:46 14th October 2008

Mike Le bon says...

Phil Taylor is a sporting phenomenon and should be celebrated. While he is still playing and still raising the bar in playing terms, we should all feel privilaged to witness this talent. I just love watching him - especially when he's on fire - it's awesome stuff! I think it's up to the rest of the pro's to catch up - starting by not feeling beaten as soon as they stand on that stage next to him. Catching Phil on an off day is the only way to beat him these days. I think every sport needs a Phil Taylor, Tiger Woods, Federer, Man Utd, Australia cricket team, etc. etc. That is what everyone involved should aspire to and it's exciting to watch when others actually challenge the big guns. Phil Taylor.........Living Legend!

Posted 00:56 14th October 2008

Bob Coggeshall says...

As an American interested in darts, my point of view might not carry much weight in this forum. However, to suggest Phil Taylor walk away from darts because he is "too good" is the most laughable comment I can ever recall reading. Wasn't it just a few years ago that there was a real debate on how Phil Taylor wasn't the best ever because he no longer competed in the BDO? I am sure that idiocy has been laid to rest with 112 three dart averages in world class competition. My opinion? Phil, continue to raise the bar for all pro dart players and when you are in a finally in a wheelchair continue to set records in the Legends League! Phil Taylor RULES!

Posted 23:52 13th October 2008

Paul Haylett says...

Well well well, Martin Hall's narrow view of darts is something quite apectacular. Let me tell you something Martin, Phil The Power Taylor is the main reason why a lot of people attend darts as well as watch on the telly. I remember years back that people turned up to watch Muhammad Ali get beaten, now they do it to Mr Taylor. Another fine example of Brit Bashing, we do it to all our heroes un less they lose. Why don't you practice 8 to 10 hours a day and then get up on that stage and play The Power, you'd get anihillated as you have the whingers mentality, Phil is a winner and thirteen times World Champion and BRITISH is something to be proud of not slate because you are jealous. I myself am partially disabled and now unable to throw darts, but instead of whingeing I get off my backside and try to run a small business and make money. If not for Phil Taylor and his winning attitude, I would probably be the same whinger, but my god Phil you are truly an inspiration for the common man. As for your darts, another planet springs to mind. Keep up the good work and entertaining us for years to come.

Posted 18:26 13th October 2008

Chris Edwards says...

martin hall how can u say something like that why quit when your on top of your game taylor has plenty more to give and is going to win alot more if the other players want to win they will have to put the time and effort like taylor does into practice.darts would not be the same without phil"thepower"taylor

Posted 15:35 13th October 2008

Murdoch Mackenzie says...

Going along the lines of martin (of the ball) hall then all top sportsmen in their field ought to just chuck it in. I guess tiger woods will have to just leave the game for good now, after all its for the best. Give someone else the chance to be No. 1.

Posted 15:22 13th October 2008

Dara Byrne says...

Have to say, while people are constantly impressed by the massively high standard Taylor sets for the rest of the field, I never saw as many Hamilton, Jenkins and Barney fans as I did in the pub this week. It's great to see Barney make a comeback, and hopefully he'll put up a better challenge at the World Championship, but Taylor's dominance is going on way too long, especially with Sid Widdell talking about him through the entire broadcast as well It's not his fault he keeps winning, but the rest of the field have got to step up and keep the interest going

Posted 14:48 13th October 2008

Bob Woods says...

Martin Hall you are a clown! Taylor is the best thing ever to happen to darts. Your actually saying that taking the game to a new level is 'boring'. Sure you might as well get Tiger to give up golf aswell, Federer and Nadal too why not!

Posted 14:14 13th October 2008

Paul Fidler says...

Martin Hall I hope you have said those comments in jest. if you haven't then you are obviously a sandwich short of a picnic. To say Taylor is ruining darts is utter stupidity. Phil Taylor is a legend and its thanks to him (along with Eric Bristow) darts is where it is today. Rather than these players slagging Taylor off they should take a look at themselves and start practicing a bit more maybe that way they may ge slightly close to Phil Taylor. Next you will be saying Chelsea and Man Utd should be removed from the Premier league because they keep winning it. Infact lets carry that on and remove Nadal and Federer and while we are at it we could ask Mr Woods if he would like to go into early retirement!!!

Posted 14:06 13th October 2008

Tony Hardy says...

"your killing the game with your dominance. Go away" that's the most ridiculous thing i have ever heard!!

Posted 13:58 13th October 2008

Martin Hall says...

Taylor- after every tournament you win, you try to say something new and different about your game. to stop the public getting bored with you, well i can tell you now we are all bored of you. and its time you quit and give someone else a go. your killing the game with your dominance. Go away

Posted 13:21 13th October 2008
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