Examining Phil Taylor's incredible record at the World Matchplay

Since the first edition of the World Matchplay in 1994 no player has won the tournament more often than Phil Taylor. Therefore, as the most successful dart player of all time, Taylor has several records to his name in this prestigious event.

In total, the tournament has now been held 30 times, with "The Power" winning more than half of them. Taylor has been the winner no fewer than 16 times, including five times in a row between 2000 and 2004 and seven consecutive times between 2008 and 2014. In 11 of those finals, the Englishman averaged 100+, climaxing in a 111.23 in the 2011 final against James Wade. The next darter with the most wins behind Taylor is Michael van Gerwen, who has won the tournament three times.

Besides his impressive number of titles, Phil Taylor has another notable statistic to his name. During his participation in the World Matchplay, he has played a total of 107 matches on the iconic Winter Gardens stage in Blackpool. Of those 107 matches, 'The Power' won no less than 99(!) and lost only eight. Moreover, he also managed to throw a 9-darter on two occasions.

It is clear that Phil Taylor cherishes fond memories of the tournament in Blackpool. Not surprisingly, since the 2018 edition, all players compete for the "Phil Taylor Trophy," in honour of his extraordinary successes. The chances of any other player ever being so successful at the World Matchplay seem minimal, although we can never say with absolute certainty.

1995: Phil Taylor 16-11 Dennis Priestley

1997: Phil Taylor 16-11 Alan Warriner-Little

2000: Phil Taylor 18-12 Alan Warrinier-Little

2001: Phil Taylor 18-10 Richie Burnett

2002: Phil Taylor 18-16 John Part

2003: Phil Taylor 18-12 Wayne Mardle

2004: Phil Taylor 18-8 Mark Dudbridge

2006: Phil Taylor 18-11 James Wade

2008: Phil Taylor 18-9 James Wade

2009: Phil Taylor 18-4 Terry Jenkins

2010: Phil Taylor 18-12 Raymond van Barneveld

2011: Phil Taylor 18-8 James Wade

2012: Phil Taylor 18-15 James Wade

2013: Phil Taylor 18-13 Adrian Lewis

2014: Phil Taylor 18-9 Michael van Gerwen

2017: Phil Taylor 18-8 Peter Wright