Taylor showed his class in Cardiff

Phil Taylor answered his critics by claiming his fourth successive Premier League title on Bank Holiday Monday.

Despite losing three of his opening four matches, Taylor emerged with the �100,000 top prize following a 16-8 win over James Wade in Cardiff.

"I'm absolutely over the moon, it's a massive tournament," said Stoke's former World Champion.

"You have to be at the top of your game for three or four months, so it means a great deal."

In the semi finals Taylor produced a record average of over 112 for the tournament in his crushing 11-1 defeat of his practice partner Adrian Lewis .

Wade reached the final by defeating Raymond Van Barneveld 11-8.