Sunday 4 January 2015 16:24, UK
Phil Taylor has warned Gary Anderson that he is still striving for perfection, despite a dominant victory over Raymond van Barneveld in the World Championship semi-final.
The Stoke man is just one match away from his 17th world crown after he completed a 6-2 win over Van Barneveld to set up a showdown with Anderson in Sunday’s final at Alexandra Palace.
In the other semi-final, Anderson ended the reign of champion Michael van Gerwen with a thrilling 6-3 win and the stage is set for a thrilling final, live on Sky Sports Darts.
Even at the age of 54, Taylor retains his hunger for success and has been trialling a new set of darts in a bid to stay ahead of his rivals.
If I win the World Championship with these darts, trust me, they’ll be in the bin. There’ll be some type of little adjustment.
He showed glimpses of his top form while easing past Van Barneveld with a steady average of 102, but ‘The Power’ believes the best is yet to come.
“The new darts are beginning to click in,” said Taylor. “That’s what I do. You’ve got to improve, you’ve got to keep pushing forward, you’ve got to do your best.
“Lewis Hamilton has won the (Formula 1) World Championship. He’s not going to drive that car next year, he’s going to improve, and that’s what you’ve got to do.
“If I win the World Championship with these darts, trust me, they’ll be in the bin. There’ll be some type of little adjustment.”
Van Barneveld had shown his battling qualities throughout the tournament and threatened another comeback against Taylor, pulling back two sets to level at 2-2.
That drew a determined response from Taylor, who reeled off the next four sets, but he was unhappy with the uncharacteristic lapse.
“I don’t know what was the matter with me for two sets,” he said. “All of a sudden I’m thinking: ‘You’re in a semi-final here, what are you doing?’
“You’ve got to go out there and fight for it like a Carl Froch, George Groves or whoever. 'You’ve just got to go out there and fight for this pal.'”
Taylor was watching closely as Anderson dethroned Van Gerwen in ruthless fashion, ending with a finishing average of 50 per cent.
But the Scotsman has shown a few signs of vulnerability and Taylor will be ready to pounce if he wavers during the final.
“I think Gary was superb tonight," said Taylor. "He wanted Michael van Gerwen in the semis, he did. But when Gary went 3-1 up, that was when he struggled last time. When he got back to three each, I thought he was going to lose.
“He’s got a final on now and I have. We’re in for a cracker.”
Watch Taylor v Anderson in the World Championship final live on Sky Sports Darts and Sky Sports 1 HD from 8pm.
