World Darts

Taylor came out for the much-publicised clash with dark hollow eyes and Mike looked pumped up for the fray. The Dutch kid had beaten Taylor twice on telly in Holland and Taylor’s respect came through clearly. In set one Phil looked the more solid and he took it with a 94 average. Then the fun started: Mike took the darts off Phil with a 3-zip set that shook Phil to the quick.

Then the young man looked like taking the match 3-1, when he set up double 12. He missed and Taylor pegged back to end with a flourish thanks to a 12-darter. My overall view is that many of the players in top darts now know that Phil is vulnerable – I can’t wait to see him tested again.

COURAGE QUICKIES::
● Dave Lanning had a great line about Dutchman Toon Greebe…. “It sounds like a species of water bird, whose habitat is St James’ Park.”
● Someone recalled that even the great Jocky Wilson starred at the Ally Pally in the days when International matches were played here. We are awash in nostalgia!
● I spent all night with my voice coach trying to pronounce Rizal Barellano of the Philippines, who is next commentary list…..by the way, how DO you pronounce Philip Taylor!!