Phil Taylor retained his World Matchplay Title at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool last night, when he defeated Raymond Van Barnaveld by 18 legs to 12. The final was everything expected of it, Barney looked at ease with his throw, and cool under presure, Taylor as ever, superb in all departments. Barney matched Taylor throw for throw until the 7th leg, Barney hit a maximum, but missed darts at double 18 and double 9, Taylor pounced on tops to break throw, that was the gap he was looking for and he never gave it back. He broke again in the 19th leg to go 11-8 in front, the gap remained a cushion of 3 legs till 15-12, then Taylor seized on a mistake by Barney when he burst his score on 65, Taylor landed double 16 and there was no way back for Barney. Taylor averaged 105.16, Barney 100.11, the telling factor was in the maximums, Taylor 9 Barney 2. It was a great final to watch, and good to see Barney almost back to his best, the fans where superb throughout. Next: The world Grand Prix from Ireland.

Thank's to Stan James for supporting yet another great event from Blackpool.