Taylor clnched victory in fine style

Phil Taylor claimed the Stan James World Matchplay title in Blackpool on Saturday with an emphatic 18-9 victory over defending champion James Wade.

Wade led 7-4 as he sought his first victory over Taylor in a final, but his opponent quickly stepped up a gear to take complete control of the match.

Taylor won 12 legs out of 13, averaging almost 110 as he went 16-8 in front.

Wade cut the deficit but Stoke legend Taylor was not to be denied, sealing victory with a 132 bullseye checkout.

"I'm lost for words," admitted a tearful Taylor. "It means so much to me to win this title back.

"I've never been prouder of winning a tournament in my entire career than now.

"At the end of last year when I lost in the first round of the World Grand Prix in Ireland, I sat backstage and thought that my career was over. But I've worked so hard and this is a reflection on that.

"James started superbly in the final and I had to do something special to get back at him."

Taylor's win earned him the �60,000 first prize and a ninth World Matchplay crown.

"I started well but lost the plot half way through and Phil was just superb," said Wade.

"He fully deserved the title but hopefully one day I'll punish him for this. He's driving me on to get better and I can't wait to play him again. I'll do my best to get to the final next year and win it back."

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