Taylor tips Lewis to be new power
PHIL TAYLOR has tipped Adrian Lewis to replace him as darts’ No.1 player after the pair’s classic showdown in Blackpool.
“The Power” won a record sixth successive World Matchplay title – and his 14th in total at the Winter Gardens – with one of the performances of his career as he defeated Lewis 18-13 with a 111 average.
The world champion’s average never dropped below 110 in a relentless display, but Lewis – Taylor’s former practice partner and protégé after he emerged as a teenage star in Stoke – hit 19 maximum 180s in reply.
Lewis (above) ended a difficult 18 months by winning the European Championship earlier in July – and Taylor has tipped the 28-year-old to take over his mantle when he retires.
“I was really pleased Adrian got to the final in Blackpool because I had him with me for two years,” said Taylor (right).
“He came to my house every day and I treated him like my own son – and Sunday was the day we always dreamed of, to play each other in a big final.
“Adrian deserves
it because I know how much hard work he’s put in.
“He has had his knockers and proved them wrong, and I’m pleased for him. That’s the lad I know and love. “He’s grown up. He’s a father now, he’s got children, a wife, properties and responsibilities.
“He’s a different person now, but he’s still a lovely lad and he didn’t do much wrong in the final. “We were taking the mickey because he’s only got a little trophy and I’ve got a big one – but one day he’ll be picking the big trophies up, no doubt about it.”