Taylor has won every televised PDC tournament since June

Phil Taylor won the inaugural Players Championship at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet on Sunday, beating Scotsman Robert Thornton 16-9 in the final.

He struggled to a 9-6 lead as Thornton made his debut in a Professional Darts Corporation major televised final.

But the 14-time world champion was soon back to his best, finishing the match with an 11-dart leg.

The world number one has now won his last 23 matches and won every televised PDC tournament since June.

Taylor won 11 of his 14 world titles at the Circus Tavern, and he said winning there was a very special feeling.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have won," said Taylor. "Coming back to the Circus Tavern and taking the win is special to me, and it means a lot to be the first name on the trophy.

"Robert played really well and he's impressed me. When I arrived in Essex on Thursday he was already at the hotel practising, and it didn't surprise me that he reached the final."

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