Taylor set to face Thornton in final of World Seniors Darts Matchplay after downing old rival Painter

Phil Taylor will take on Robert Thornton shortly in the final of the World Seniors Darts Matchplay after a thrilling tie with his old rival in Kevin Painter with 'The Power' gaining revenge for 'The Artist's win at the World Seniors Championship.

Both players missed four match darts up to Taylor finally getting over the line at 12-10 with Painter missing darts also to send it to sudden death in Hull in a match which saw an 88 average from the 16-time World Matchplay champion.

To begin the tie, Painter surged into a 4-2 lead over ‘The Power’ as he showed more doubling prowess. But on return, Taylor sealed three legs on the spin as he hit the front for the first time including a 90 checkout to break and a 164 checkout to consolidate with Painter well back.

Taylor continued to edge ever closer to the finishing line pinning a 121 checkout to hold which saw him go 7-6 up. He went one away with a 68 checkout as the trend continued at 8-7 but Painter again held with Taylor needing to win by two clear legs.

Taylor started poorly on his own throw with Painter down to a finish first of 121 for a potential 9-8 lead himself and he returned for a 76 checkout to do so and go 9-8 up. He was throwing for the match and despite a poor start himself rescued it with a 180 and he had basically six darts at 151 leaving 60.

Taylor missed 157 to keep himself in it but Painter missed match darts which allowed ‘The Power’ to tie it up at 9-9. A 180 to leave 59 saw Taylor go towards the brink himself at 10-9. Painter made it 10-10 with a hold of throw on 64 meaning sudden death was a potential possibility.

Painter missed a chance to break though and Taylor made it 11-10. A poor start from Painter saw Taylor hone in on the trebles and hit 130 to leave 32 for the match but more match darts went begging but Painter missed 52 to send it all the way and Taylor finally got over the line at 12-10.