World Grand Prix Darts 2014: Phil Taylor backed to raise his game
Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle says Power's form will improve after edgy start
Wednesday 8 October 2014 11:30, UK
Wayne Mardle expects Phil Taylor to produce a much improved performance when he faces Andrew Gilding in the second round of the World Grand Prix.
The Power, who has taken the trophy 11 times in Dublin, beat Steve Beaton 2-0 in his Monday-night opener, but his average of 85.84 was well below what he is capable of.
Wednesday night’s opponent Andrew Gilding also averaged 85 in his win over Darren Webster, but Sky Sports pundit Mardle says Taylor’s form will rocket now he is past the first round.
Mardle said: “He was edgy, but I do think that Steve Beaton’s edginess rubbed off on him because Steve just didn’t settle at all.
“When that happens you kind of mirror whatever your opponent is doing. When someone is playing badly you seem to take your foot off the gas as well and on the gas when they’re playing well.
World Grand Prix Darts
“Phil will not play like he did against Steve Beaton, that is for sure. It’s a longer format and there’s no first-round nerves.
“He alluded to the fact he would either go out early in the first round or he would go on to more or less win it and I think that was in the back of his head.
“Now he’s through he is playing Andrew Gilding, who is not tried and tested. He was beaten 10-0 in the Matchplay by Adrian Lewis, so Phil Taylor knows he’s got the game and the upper hand.”
Big names such as Andy Hamilton, Simon Whitlock, Dave Chisnall and Wes Newton have already exited the tournament after losing in round one.
And Mardle insists the reason for Taylor’s continued success is down to his ability to produce the goods when he is not at his best.
He added: “He makes it happen. The other players falter, but not him. He makes it happen and that’s the great thing about Phil Taylor.
“John Part came out with a brilliant comment earlier when he said ‘Phil plays his bad games good’. Even when he’s bad he seems to produce and this is the thing with him.
“People falter around him, but he doesn’t. He just gets through and gets through, which is why he has won it 11 times.”
World Grand Prix Darts - including Taylor v Gilding - is live on Sky Sports 1 from 7pm on Wednesday evening.
