There's no stopping Taylor
Phil Taylor added another trophy to impressive collection with a hard-fought victory over Terry Jenkins in the final of the Skybet World Grand Prix in Dublin.
'The Power' secured a 7-4 success at the Citywest Hotel to claim his seventh Grand Prix title - but it was not a vintage Taylor performance.
He was pushed all the way by the impressive Jenkins, whose semi-final victory over Peter Manley guaranteed him a place in next year's Holsten Premier League.
The Ledbury-based thrower made a dream start against the greatest player in the game's history, winning six of the first nine legs to open up a two-set lead.
But Taylor suddenly clicked into gear, and within half an hour he was ahead for the first time thanks to nine unanswered legs.
The Stoke sensation also won the next set - but Jenkins enhanced his growing reputation with a gutsy fightback.
The 43-year-old showed nerves of steel to level the game before a brilliant 148 checkout put Taylor back on track.
He reeled off the next two sets to move within one of victory, and there was no way back for Jenkins.
Taylor breezed through the 11th set, closing out the match with a successful attempt at double 16.
'I think we both felt a bit of pressure - missed a few crucial doubles - but that's life. I just had to get on with it,' said Taylor.
'It was hard work tonight, as I expected it to be,' added Taylor, who picked up a cheque for £25,000.
'Terry's a grinder, he keeps going. Normally when I get in front people give in, but he didn't, so fair play to him.
'I felt too relaxed at the start. I enjoyed the crowd, the atmosphere and being in the final - he just wanted it more at the beginning.'
'I'm happy with that performance,' said Jenkins. 'I took a lot of legs off Phil which is an achievement in itself.
'And I felt that I was keeping up with him even when he won four straight sets. I was scoring well myself, I just missed a few doubles.
'I didn't keep the pressure on him, really. But I've had a good week, so I'm pleased.'
