Barney hits full Power in living room oche classic
BY MIKE WALTERS
PHIL TAYLOR suffered another agonising defeat to Raymond van Barneveld but grinned: “For once in my life I didn’t mind losing.”
Just as he was pipped 7-6 by Barney at the Circus Tavern 13 years ago, The Power was pipped by the same score as they played out the match in living rooms 350 miles apart.
But after helping to raise £15,000 for the NHS charity Heroes, Taylor was content simply to play his part in a high-scoring classic during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Regular PDC master of ceremonies John McDonald even introduced the players’ walk-ons from kitchen to living room.
Taylor, a 16-time world champion, said: “Where we were rivals, now we are good mates – and this is probably the only game I’ve ever played where winning or losing didn’t matter.
“It’s important the whole country gets behind the NHS during this crisis and I’m happy to do my little bit.”
In a contest of sublime quality, Taylor was cruising at 6-3 up over the best of 13 legs only for Barney to reel off four without reply.
Playing from his apartment in Holland, he clinched his victory on the bullseye as he finished with an average of 120.12.
Taylor, who averaged 119.02, hit 10 maximum 180s and Barney added five more, meaning sponsors Paddy Power will chip in £15,000 after promising £1000 per 180 scored.