Phil Taylor's World Championship exit completed a difficult year for the Power
Friday 1 January 2016 10:18, UK
After Phil Taylor's defeat at the World Darts Championship, we look back on five other losses that left 'The Power' without a major title in 2015.
The most successful player in darts history started the year with high hopes, but Taylor for once could not add any top trophies to his lengthy list of achievements...
Gary Anderson 7-6 Phil Taylor, 2015 World Darts Championship final
Back in January, Taylor was expected to collect his 17th world title when he faced Anderson in the final of the World Darts Championship.
There had been signs of Taylor's ruthless best form during a semi-final win over long-term rival Raymond van Barneveld and he appeared to be heading for another triumph when he pulled 4-3 in front.
But Anderson, fresh from a win over Michael van Gerwen, showed steely composure as he fought back to complete a 7-6 win.
Gary Anderson 7-5 Phil Taylor, Premier League
Taylor had lacked his usual consistency during a tough Premier League campaign and his hopes of reaching the play-offs were hanging in the balance as he headed to Newcastle to face Anderson, his conqueror at Alexandra Palace.
'The Power' needed a win over Anderson to keep alive his hopes of snatching a top four spot and gave a glimpse of his class by taking out a superb 126 finish on the bullseye.
But his fate was sealed when the Scot moved into a 6-5 lead and Taylor would miss the season-ending night at The O2 for the first time since the competition was introduced.
James Wade 17-14 Phil Taylor, World Matchplay semi-final
Despite his struggles over the previous months, many expected Taylor to rediscover his best form in the Blackpool competition which he had dominated for the past seven years.
The 55-year-old was targeting his eighth straight title as he progressed with his usual efficiency to a semi-final against James Wade.
But Taylor's 38-match unbeaten streak came to a shuddering halt when Wade steadied his nerves to hit double top.
Vincent van der Voort 2-0 Phil Taylor, World Grand Prix
A trip to Ireland offered Taylor another chance to end his barren run and he had previously collected 11 trophies in the event.
The Dublin draw would not be helpful to the Stoke man as he was pitted against Van der Voort, the fast-throwing Dutchman, who is particularly dangerous over the short format.
Early in the match, Taylor was agonisingly close to completing a nine-darter on the bull and he would endure more anguish when the 'Dutch Destroyer' sealed a shock win.
Michael van Gerwen 16-13 Phil Taylor, Grand Slam final
Taylor appeared to be finding his vintage form at just the right time of the year and reached the final of the Grand Slam in Wolverhampton.
Standing in the way of 'The Power' was Michael van Gerwen, the man who had replaced him as world No 1, and Taylor gave a finishing lesson to his younger rival when he surged into a 5-2 lead.
But 'The Green Machine' seized the next six legs with his blistering scoring and would pull away for a 16-13 win.
