PHIL TAYLOR won the Stan James World Matchplay title for an eighth time with an 18-11 win over James Wade at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The Power reclaimed the title with another gutsy display to see off the 23-year-old rookie, who was appearing in his first major final.
Aldershot-based Wade actually led 4-1 early in the piece, but Taylor's crucial break of throw at nine-all saw the game turn in his direction as he hit the front for the first time.
He won eight of the next ten legs in clinical fashion to seal yet another major title.
Wade started superbly, hitting two 100 finishes in the opening five legs and breaking Taylor's throw in the fourth as he took a 4-1 cushion.
The next nine all went with the throw, including a 136 finish from Taylor, before the Stoke superstar punished missed doubles from Wade to got in front 10-9.
He took out 140 for a 12-dart in the next leg, and an 82 finish put him clear at 12-9.
Wade stepped in to take out double top in the next, but another four successive legs moved Taylor to the brink of the title at 16-10.
The young star hit a fine 15-darter to take the 27th leg, but even a maximum in the next failed to prevent Taylor putting himself within touching distance of the title.
And he wrapped up the win in 13 darts with double 14 to take the prestigious trophy and a cheque for £30,000.
"This is a massive tournament for me to win," said Taylor. "The World Matchplay is second only to the World Championship.
"I really wanted this title and was determined after missing out in the last two events. I'm delighted.
"I keep pushing myself. My time's limited but I am more professional now than ever
"At the beginning I thought I would get beaten if I didn't pull my finger out, I couldn't settle down at first but got into my rhythm and started putting pressure on.
"James has played well all week and tonight he did the talking on the dartboard. His finishing was brilliant, especially under pressure.
"He was really good, and I couldn't get at him in the first 20 legs.
"Then I think my experience came in and he started thinking about the occasion. It was a massive occasion and he did himself no harm at all.
"The future's great for James, if he can stick to it. The one thing he has to do now is to handle this and get stuck into the next tournament, because getting the money and limelight can be the downfall of young players."
Wade said: "I was a bit concerned when I was leading because I wasn't playing well and he wasn't playing well either.
"I'd rather he had hit me with his best darts straight away, it was like the calm before the storm."
The 23-year-old was appearing in his first major final, and admitted: "I'll never forget this week. Hopefully it will be one of many big days in my career."
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