Darts: History is Taylor-made as champion states pride over nine-dart finishes

Published on Tuesday 25 May 2010 10:03

PHIL TAYLOR hailed "the proudest day of my life" after he produced two nine-dart finishes to beat James Wade and win the Whyte and Mackay Premier League Darts title.

Taylor beat Wade 10-8 to take the 125,000 prize, becoming the first player in history to hit two nine-dart finishes on one game.

The legendary Stoke player, who lost to Mervyn King in last year's semi-final, hit his first Premier League nine-darter in the second leg last night only to repeat the feat in the 15th leg.

"I'm a very proud man," said the champion. "I've won every title in the PDC and I don't think I can ever do better than this – it's the proudest day of my life.

"Everything I've done for the last thirty years has all come together. It's been my dream to do this."

The 15-time world champion added: "It's absolutely incredible and possibly the greatest moment of my career.

"I knew it was possible to hit two nine-darters in one game and I said to (former world No.1 and Sky Sports pundit] Rod Harrington in the break after six legs of the final that I thought there could be a second in our game.

"I was playing well enough and James was improving too. You put him under pressure and he hits you back hard to put pressure on you not to miss doubles.

"I was nice and relaxed going into the final and am delighted to do that for the fans who turned out after the postponement yesterday and with an England football game on next door at Wembley."

Wade said: "It was an incredible game and in a way it's a compliment that Phil hit two nine-darters to beat me.

"The score was 10-8 so those two legs were the difference and I don't think that two nine-darters will ever be seen again in such a short format."