Phil Taylor won his 16th World Matchplay title to raucous scenes in Blackpool on Sunday night.
The 56-year-old, who will retire following the 2018 World Darts Championships, destroyed Peter Wright by 10 legs in the final. During the match, he averaged 104 and hit 7 maximums.
Taylor did not take an easy route to the decider. After starting as a 20/1 outsider, he beat Raymond van Barneveld, Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis along with Wright. That run included a 10-leg win against world champion Van Gerwen and an eight-leg win against Lewis.
? PHIL TAYLOR IS THE 2017 BETVICTOR WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPION ?#BVDarts pic.twitter.com/vXZajL4PdE
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 30, 2017
Following the victory, Taylor called it a 'bonus win'. He also revealed some of the killer instinct which even in his final year he still retains.
It's lovely, it really is and I've loved every minute of it. To win a major at my age is fantastic. I'll miss this place tremendously - I've loved it here since the first time I walked through the door.
During the final I was watching every bit of Peter's body language and he showed every sign of being a little bit tired and I wanted to keep putting him under pressure. He came back but I was playing ok and I kept him under pressure.
In what could be viewed as the ultimate compliment, Peter Wright said that he 'can't wait until Taylor retires.'
INCREDIBLE SCENES | Phil Taylor lifts the BetVictor World Matchplay for the 16th time!
????????????????#BVDarts pic.twitter.com/mxgJlKStD3— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 30, 2017
Earlier in the evening, as he walked to the stage, Taylor received a roaring welcome.
MUST WATCH | Watch Phil Taylor's FINAL ever walk on at the #BVDarts World Matchplay IN FULL pic.twitter.com/afbBoYGUL9
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 30, 2017
