As the echoes of Phil Taylor’s legendary career continue to resonate in the world of darts, one event stands out as the epitome of his unrivaled dominance – the PDC World Championship.
Taylor’s reign over the championship not only established him as a darts icon but also solidified his status as one of the greatest sportsmen in history.
From the mid-1990s to the turn of the millennium and beyond, Taylor’s name became synonymous with success, and he was often the pre-tournament in the World Darts Championship betting.
The Stoke-on-Trent native, aptly nicknamed “The Power,” displayed an unmatched level of skill, focus, and determination that elevated him above his competitors.
That said, let’s take a look at his dominance over the years.
The formative years: Taylor’s ascent to greatness
Taylor’s first taste of glory came in the 1990 BDO World Darts Championship when he beat the legendary Eric Bristow – and it marked the beginning of an era.
The Power would win the BDO’s event again in 1992, this time trumping Mike Gregory to land the spoils for a second time.
The birth of a legend: PDC World Championship 1995
In 1995, the PDC World Championship was still in its infancy, but Phil Taylor had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The Stoke-on-Trent native secured his first PDC world title in what was the second renewal of the tournament, setting the stage for an era of unparalleled dominance.
His precision, focus, and unyielding determination became synonymous with the championship, and Taylor’s name was etched into the annals of darts history.
Whitewash: Dramatic 7-0 win over Peter Manley for eight-in-a-row
The Power’s 7-0 thrashing over Peter Manley remains one of the most iconic moments in the tournament’s history.
It was the fourth time Taylor had whitewashed an opponent in the final, and the sheer precision and composure displayed during the match epitomized the Englishman’s mastery of the game.
It also marked Taylor’s eighth PDC World Championship success in a row, and to add to the drama, Manley exited the stage without shaking the subsequent winner’s hand.
Records galore: Taylor’s presence will likely never be matched
Taylor’s dominance wasn’t just about winning — it was about writing his name in the record books of the PDC World Championship.
As well as winning those eight consecutive World Championships between 1995 and 2002, The Power competed in each of the first 14 finals — winning an incredible 11 titles.
In total, Taylor reached 21 World Championships finals and won the lucrative prize an impressive 14 times throughout his career — with the most recent a decade ago, when he beat Michael van Gerwen 7-4.
The mental fortitude: Taylor’s key to success
What set Taylor apart was not just his physical prowess with the darts but also his mental fortitude.
In the heat of competition, with the world watching, Taylor remained calm and composed – a true embodiment of a champion.
His steely focus and unyielding self-belief became a hallmark of his game, demoralizing opponents before a dart was even thrown.
Legacy and impact on the sport: Taylor’s icon status
As Taylor bid farewell to professional darts in 2018, albeit returning in 2022, his legacy loomed large over the sport he had come to define.
The dominance he exhibited in the PDC World Championship not only inspired a new generation of players but also elevated the status of darts on the global sporting stage.
Taylor’s influence extended beyond the oche, as he became an ambassador for the sport, contributing to its growth and popularity.
The indelible mark he left on the PDC World Championship is a testament to his unparalleled skill, work ethic, and love for the game.
