JAMES WADE has paid tribute to Phil Taylor following his defeat in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts play-offs on Monday.
Taylor claimed the title for a fourth successive year at the CIA in Cardiff, averaging a record 112.68 in an 11-1 semi-final win over Adrian Lewis before defeating Wade 16-8 in the final.
Taylor averaged 108 in the decider, winning six straight legs to go from 3-2 to 9-2 before holding off Wade's fightback to take the game's last five legs in 13, 12, 12, 12 and 11 darts.
"He's phenomenal," said Wade.
"What I was impressed with wasn't the six straight legs because I wasn't playing well at that point, it was the performance at the end of the match - absolutely phenomenal.
"The first 30 minutes of the game I was flat and not good enough. In the second half I think I played extremely well but it wasn't enough - it was too late.
"Perhaps if I'd started like I finished the game then it may have been different - but that's all ifs and buts.
"I don't think I did a lot wrong and many people said that they don't know anyone else who would have come back from that, and I take that as a compliment.
"But I don't think I've ever seen him play ten legs like that when I started to live with him. In the last 14 legs I averaged 110 and I'm over the moon I lived with him."
Wade had finished second in the table on his debut Premier League campaign, including inflicting Taylor's first ever defeat in the competition on the opening league night, and knocked out Raymond van Barneveld in the semi-finals.
He plans to buy a new BMW M3 Convertible with his £50,000 prize money - but admitted he was disappointed not to pocket the £100,000 first prize.
"I'm happy with it, but also gutted because I lost myself £50,000," said Wade. "I'm still buying the new car anyway - it's ordered!"
Wade was awestruck following Taylor's brilliant displays in Cardiff, but is aiming now to improve his own game to match those performances.
"I think I can get there," added the 25-year-old. "I can't use the excuse that I'm young or inexperienced any more.
"Back in the 1980s people said nobody would ever be as good as Eric Bristow, and along came Phil, and he's still playing at this level. If Phil wasn't there, I feel I could dominate darts."
Wade has now set his sights on success at the Blue Square UK Open, which begins in Bolton next week.
The world number three lost to Darren Webster in the last 32 in the 2007 UK Open, but is hoping to adapt well to the eight-board tournament after starring in front of crowds of up to 8,000 in the Premier League.
"It's the same pressure for everyone, everyone listening to the same noises and atmosphere," said Wade. "It's fun, exciting and I'm looking forward to it.
"I think the last 16 is my best performance - and that was my first year after qualifying through a pub! Since then I've not been too good, I've not done well there yet, or in Las Vegas.
"I'm not bothered about who I draw though. If I play my best, I shall win and if I don't then I won't win."
Wade practised with PDC newcomer Robert Thornton ahead of the play-offs, and is tipping the Scottish star to have a big impact in Bolton.
"It was great," said Wade. "He would practice 24 hours a day if somebody would throw with him.
"I think he'll make an impact in the PDC."
Tickets are still available for the Blue Square UK Open - prices start at £10 - call 0871 871 2932 or contact ticketsales@bwfc.co.uk.