Sunday 26 July 2015 07:59, UK
Phil Taylor will be cursing a handful of loose darts after relinquishing his World Matchplay title in a semi-final defeat by James Wade, says Wayne Mardle.
The 15-time champion failed in his bid for an eighth successive title, bowing out with a 17-14 loss after a wayward display of finishing against Wade at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Taylor, so deadly in his win over Dave Chisnall on Friday, could not repeat his precise checkouts and the Aldershot man punished him with ruthless efficiency.
But Sky Sports expert Mardle believes Taylor should have regained command during a decisive spell in the match.
Phil will be disappointed because he lost, but also he kind of let James off by missing those one-darters that James Wade didn’t.
“We go on about timing so much, but it’s absolutely vital,” said Mardle.
“It’s crucial to win games like that. There were four or five legs in the middle of the match when Phil Taylor missed one dart at double top, one dart at 32, darts at double 14 and double seven.
“James went out every single time. If Phil wins three of those it’s a six-leg swing. There is probably no way that James comes back.
“Phil will be disappointed because he lost but also he kind of let James off by missing those one-darters that James Wade didn’t.”
With the final in sight, Wade suddenly faltered and missed eight darts for the match to hand Taylor a brief reprieve, before he eventually dethroned the long-reigning title holder.
“I thought he was going to get another shot because of the way he was playing on his own throw,” said Mardle.
“Don’t forget he was a break up, so he was going to have one go at it. What was great, the composure he showed with the second shot in that final leg, the 174.
“That would have settled him down and killed Phil off. After that, he had a free run and the last dart at tops - you kind of felt it was going in.”
Watch Sunday's World Matchplay final from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.
