Taylor wins McCoy's Premier League Darts title!

(Posted: 18 May 2012)

Phil Taylor defied a spirited fightback from Simon Whitlock to win his sixth McCoy's Premier League Darts title with a 10-7 win at The O2 in London.

Taylor, who had finished eight points clear at the top of the league table following the 14 weekly rounds and earlier defeated James Wade 8-6 in the semis, looked set to romp to the £150,000 title when he moved into leads of 6-1 and 7-2 in the final.

However, Whitlock hit back brilliantly to level at seven-all by taking five successive legs to threaten an incredible comeback win.

The Australian - who landed a nine-darter in his 8-6 semi-final win over Andy Hamilton earlier in the night - crucially missed one dart to lead Taylor 8-7, as the Stoke great recovered to win the leg and the next two to claim victory.

"It feels fantastic to be the McCoy's Premier League champion again," said Taylor, who lost in the semi-finals last year to Adrian Lewis.  "It was a massive night for all four of us in the semi-finals and in many ways it was a strange final.  The semi-final took a lot out of me, because for some reason I was nervous and it was a real battle against James.  Simon had put in a huge effort too in his game and maybe that showed in the final.

"Simon came back brilliantly but I think that used up a lot of his energy, and even when I got level I knew that I had the throw and just had to keep myself steady, and thankfully I came through."

Taylor hit averages of 117.35 - a Premier League record - and 116 during the league season, but dipped below 100 in both games in the Play-Offs.

"I'm disappointed with my performances, even through I'm delighted to win," he added.  "I set myself some high standards this year and I want to play consistently at that level.  I'll have a couple of weeks now to relax and prepare for the UK Open at the start of June, and winning back that title is my next goal."