Phil Taylor 7-5 Dave Chisnall
Taylor picked up two crucial points in what proved to be a very close
match. Indeed the pair shared the opening two legs on throw before
a Taylor break in the fourth gave him a two leg advantage for the first
time.
Chisnall, who was on his way to landing an impressive seven 180s,
fought back to level the match at 4-4 and again at 5-5 after Taylor had
taken the ninth leg to end Chisnall’s run of three.
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Two of Chisnall’s 180s came in the eleventh leg, but after he missed a
golden opportunity to break it was Taylor who reached six legs first to
secure a point.
Perhaps affected by his earlier misses Chisnall was unable to get going
in the deciding leg, and it was Taylor who wrapped up both points with
a clinical break of throw.
“I know my form is picking up and this is great for my confidence,” said
Taylor.”Dave played well and hit some great 180s but missed a couple
of doubles there in the last leg and let me in.
“I’m in a position I’ve never been in during my career and I’ve got
to come out fighting. It’s a cruel game and it’s a very lonely place
on stage, and if you’re not firing then your nerves start jangling and
everything starts going through your mind.
“It’s been a difficult few weeks but I enjoyed this and I’ve got to go
out there and do everything perfectly. That’s the attitude you have to
have now.
“For me to stay at the top I’ve got to work twice as hard as everyone else.
We’ve been altering the grip on my darts each week and experimenting
and we’re getting there.”
The Verdict
Phil Taylor showed some real signs of returning to form this week and
he seemed much more confident in his interview. I would expect him to
go on now and avoid relegation, although whether he will have what it
takes to qualify for the playoffs is a