Third SA title for Taylor

Taylor: Good tournament

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Phil Taylor is a 33/1 chance with Sky Bet to claim his ninth title Grand Prix title in Dublin without dropping a set. To see all tournament special bets click here.

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Phil Taylor has claimed his third straight South African Masters title after beating James Wade 6-4 in the final in Johannesburg.

Taylor produced another fine display at the Emperors Palace Casino, although Mervyn King had reason to be satisfied with his own performance after producing a nine-dart finish.

The defending champion beat South African Christo Meiring 4-1 before seeing off John Part 5-2 to reach the final.

He then came from behind to see off world number two Wade, who held a 2-1 advantage in the final and had chances to extend that lead.

However, Taylor levelled and proceeded to remain in front - his opponent nevertheless managing to stay in touch with darts that also brought a 116 checkout.

"I'm delighted to have won the South African Masters again," Taylor said. "I love coming out here and playing in South Africa and it's a good tournament.

"The South African players were very good and each year they are getting better and better. They are more confident and have been on stage a few times, but they need more competition against the big boys.

"Once they get that, they will become more competitive and start to challenge us."

Wade defeated former South African number one Wynand Havenga 4-1 in the last eight before fighting back to defeat King in the semis.

Having already built a 3-1 lead, King then hit his nine-darter to move a leg away from victory.

And yet Wade, who was nursing a cut finger, proceeded to take the next four legs to progress.

King nevertheless had the consolation of a £10,000 bonus for the nine-darter - the first live televised perfect leg hit outside Europe.

"I'm obviously delighted to have hit the nine-darter but gutted to have lost the match," said King. "It's a great achievement but I couldn't finish James off after that."

Prior to his semi-final loss to Taylor, Part defeated South African Open runner-up Devon Petersen 4-1.herehere