World Matchplay 2016: MVG thumps Taylor in Blackpool

The Dutchman collected his 12th tournament title in 2016 by inflicting only Taylor's eighth defeat at the seaside resort since 1994 with a crushing 18-10 victory.

Not even Taylor's eccentric behaviour on stage could do little to disrupt 'Mighty Mike' from cleaning up with an emphatic performance.

In what was billed as a blockbuster showpiece between the two arch enemies, Taylor saw his challenge to capture a 16th crown come to a shuddering halt as Van Gerwen averaged 103.60, landing 32 ton-pluses, hitting 12 140s and 180s with a 61 per cent success rate on the doubles.

Not even Taylor's 'Thunderclap' behind van Gerwen's back could do little to perturb the world number one who, after losing the opening leg, romped away with the match thanks to several breaks of throw.

Van Gerwen told www.pdc.tv: "It feels amazing to win this title again. I think I played well all through the tournament and I dominated the final - against Phil you always need to step up a bit and I did.

"To beat Phil is always nice because he's a legend and I've got so much respect for him. He knows that and that makes it even better to win this trophy by beating him. 

"Phil gave me a chance and he knows that if he gives me a chance I'll take them, and my confidence was there. He's never lost in a World Matchplay final so you know you need to play well, and I did that.

"I think I won this title quite comfortably but I did the right thing at the right moments in this tournament and I didn't make a lot of mistakes. I think I'm the best but you need to show it on that stage, especially in moments like that.

"I'm a really happy man to retain this title, it means a lot to me."

The match started in electrifying fashion with the 55-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent taking the opening leg and then Van Gerwen stepped on the gas breaking in the third leg after crucial missed doubles.

In the next, the Dutch ace looked to be on for a nine-darter, but his seventh arrow narrowly missed the treble 20. He still completed an 11-darter. Taylor stayed in touch with a stunning bull finish to stay 3-2 behind.

The 27-year-old from Boxtel in the Netherlands stayed nailed another 11-darter in the 10th leg for a 6-4 lead and then broke for the second time with a neat 65 finish with last dart in hand.

After that Van Gerwen romped away, winning the next four, including a 110 on double 16 for his eighth three figure outshot of the week.

Taylor appeared to be wilting under increasing pressure, but broke throw for only the second time to claim his sixth leg for 12-6.

'Mighty Mike' struck with a 112 checkout in the 23rd leg, before his opponent responded with a 130 in the next - the highest of the match.

Van Gerwen won the last three legs and sealed back-to-back triumphs with double 16.

Taylor, who turns 56 next month, admitted his let the Winter Gardens' crowd down as well as hailing Van Gerwen as 'the best ever'.

"I just faded. I was shattered," he said. "I'm gutted with myself. My energy levels were not there and he killed me - he bullied me. He's very, very aggressive. When he hits a good shot he lets you know. He's a nasty player. We need to turn to tables - that's the only way you can beat him.

"We're not giving him quality practice. This was like a practice session for him.

"He does everything. Darts has changed. I was lucky enough to play against every great that's ever played - this is the greatest (Van Gerwen) as far as I'm concerned. This is a fella that's dominating the game. There's only one way to beat him - match him - he believes in himself and at the minute we're not.

"I've got to start making changes and that starts tomorrow morning. Trust me, maybe I'm too old now, but I'm going to lead the way. If I get a player, I'm going to teach him to beat a player like him. He is phenomenal." 

World Matchplay 2016 Draw

(1) Michael van Gerwen 10-0 Jamie Caven
(16) Vincent van der Voort 4-10 Kyle Anderson
(8) Robert Thornton 10-7 Josh Payne
(9) Dave Chisnall 10-7 Benito van de Pas
(5) Peter Wright 10-5 Joe Cullen
(12) Ian White 10-2 Daryl Gurney
(4) Adrian Lewis 10-6 Mark Webster
(13) Kim Huybrechts 8-10 Gerwyn Price
(2) Gary Anderson 10-1 Alan Norris
(15) Terry Jenkins 10-7 Justin Pipe
(7) Michael Smith 10-6 Simon Whitlock
(10) Jelle Klaasen 6-10 Steve Beaton
(6) James Wade 5-10 Mervyn King
(11) Raymond van Barneveld 7-10 Brendan Dolan
(3) Phil Taylor 10-8 Robbie Green
(14) Stephen Bunting 8-10 Mensur Suljovic

World Matchplay 2016 Daily Results

Saturday July 16 (7pm-11pm)
First Round (Best of 19 legs)
Vincent van der Voort 4-10 Kyle Anderson
Robert Thornton 10-7 Josh Payne
Michael van Gerwen 10-0 Jamie Caven
Dave Chisnall 10-7 Benito van de Pas

Sunday July 17
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
First Round (Best of 19 legs)
Stephen Bunting 8-10 Mensur Suljovic
Kim Huybrechts 8-10 Gerwyn Price
Terry Jenkins 10-7 Justin Pipe
Ian White 10-2 Daryl Gurney

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
First Round (Best of 19 legs)
James Wade 5-10 Mervyn King
Adrian Lewis 10-6 Mark Webster
Gary Anderson 10-1 Alan Norris
Peter Wright 10-5 Joe Cullen

Monday July 18 (7pm-11pm)
First Round (Best of 19 legs)
Jelle Klaasen 6-10 Steve Beaton
Raymond van Barneveld 7-10 Brendan Dolan
Phil Taylor 10-8 Robbie Green
Michael Smith 10-6 Simon Whitlock

Tuesday July 19 (7pm-12am)
Second Round (Best of 25 legs)
Robert Thornton 2-11 Dave Chisnall
Peter Wright 11-6 Ian White
Michael van Gerwen 11-3 Kyle Anderson
Adrian Lewis 11-5 Gerwyn Price

Wednesday July 20 (7pm-12am)
Second Round (Best of 25 legs)
Mervyn King 11-8 Brendan Dolan
Michael Smith 7-11 Steve Beaton
Phil Taylor 11-5 Mensur Suljovic
Gary Anderson 11-5 Terry Jenkins

Thursday July 21 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 31 legs)
Peter Wright 14-16 Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen 16-9 Dave Chisnall

Friday July 22 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 31 legs)
Mervyn King 14-16 Phil Taylor
Gary Anderson 16-13 Steve Beaton

Saturday July 23 (7pm-10pm)
Semi-Finals (Best of 33 legs)
Adrian Lewis 9-17 Michael van Gerwen
Phil Taylor 17-8 Gary Anderson

Sunday July 24 (7pm-9pm)
Final (Best of 35 legs)
Michael van Gerwen 18-10 Phil Taylor