Phil Taylor begins his World Matchplay quest in Blackpool
Thursday 23 July 2015 13:29, UK
From Arthur Askey to Shirley Bassey, the Winter Gardens in Blackpool bring out the best performers in the world. Now Phil Taylor looks to get in on the act by landing a 16th World Matchplay title.
The tungsten legend has been utterly peerless during his time at the tournament, which is held beside the seaside in sunny Lancashire.
Taylor has won 15 Matchplay titles since it began in 1995 and 'The Power' is now aiming to make it eight in a row and continue his 35-match unbeaten run when he kicks-off his campaign on Monday.
But his love of the Winter Gardens is what spurs Taylor on as he looks to make yet more history.
"The building has got a certain atmosphere about it, it's an old Victorian building and all the stars of the past have been on there. It's just something really nice about the place, but I also like the area," Taylor told Sky Sports.
The Potteries thrower feels he is finding his form and is in buoyant mood after claiming the Japan Masters title, despite losing out to world No 1 Michael van Gerwen in the final of the Dubai Masters a few weeks earlier.
"I'm playing well," said the 54-year-old. "My form is nice and my preparations have been perfect so no jet lag anymore, so it's coming on nicely.
"There are a few threats (to his title). It's not just about one player anymore. You've probably got about 15 or 16 who can win this tournament now.
"The standard of darts has improved 100 per cent, but then again people have got the money now to be professional and stay home and concentrate to do their job properly.
"What makes me motivated? Just the way I am and I love every minute of it to be honest with you and I'm going to carry on being motivated till the day I retire because I can't be any different."
Nadal of the oche
Mardle said: "Taylor does not lose in Blackpool. It's a different surface to Phil - it's like he's using a different board with different dimensions. The format works for him."
And the 16-time World Champion agreed with Mardle's statement, saying: "Yes, it suits me and I think the heat in the place suits me. I don't sweat up like most players do."
Taylor will kick-off his campaign against Scotland's John Henderson on Monday, although he is already thinking about winning another world title at the Alexandra Palace at the end of the year.
"It doesn't really matter because the draw is the draw. Whoever you play is going to be good. I think the Winter Gardens is one of the best for the crowd. They're proper darts fans.
"The world title is what I'm after and I've got a few months to get ready for that. That and the Premier League is the ultimate and Blackpool of course."
