Taylor Shrugs Off Controversy on the Way to Title Number 16

The 2013 PDC World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace was ultimately won by pre-tournament favourite Phil Taylor but there was no shortage of drama, together with more than a little controversy on the way.

The final itself saw Taylor take on Dutchman Michael van Gerwen who had provided the best darts of the tournament in his semi-final with James Wade. Van Gerwen produced a nine dart finish during that match and was just one dart away from repeating that feat in the very next leg. This would have been an unprecedented achievement in world darts but the Dutchman narrowly missed out on the double twelve that he required.

The second semi-final between Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld was marred by controversy at the end of the match. The Power eventually came through by six legs to four in a thrilling contest but the pair nearly came to blows as Barney congratulated his opponent just a little too vigorously for Taylor’s liking.

Taylor was very contrite after the event and it had all provided a tense backdrop to a final that saw Van Gerwen take an early lead. The 23 year old Dutchman took a two leg advantage at 4-2 and it was clear that The Power would have to find his best form if he was going to claim his sixteenth title.

Eventually, Taylor drew level and played the better darts on the way to a 7-4 victory.

Prior to the last three games of the tournament, some thrilling encounters were played out and one of those involved the reigning champion Adrian Lewis. ‘Jackpot’ hadn’t been in the best of form in 2012 but always seems to raise his game for the PDC World Championships.

Having won the event for the past two years, he was highly fancied to make it three in a row before he ran into van Gerwen in the quarter finals. In a tense game, the Dutchman showed just why he must be a future Champion as he came through by the narrowest of 5-4 margins.

Another quarter final produced the same scoreline as James Wade defeated the highly rated Wes Newton. Wade had experienced a difficult year with health issues and a loss of form but he ultimately defeated his opponent in one of the best games of the tournament.

The PDC World Darts Championship of 2013 finally went to the favourite but it was one of the most memorable tournaments for a whole host of different reasons. The event was sponsored by Ladbrokes who offered betting promotions throughout the event alongside their regular sportsbook.

Ladbrokes offer much more besides and those who know them as a sports bookmaker may not be aware that at Ladbrokes.com you can play all the main casino games such as Blackjack, roulette and more.

Taking a small bet on the PDC World Darts Championship would have enhanced the enjoyment of any individual match but it’s worth checking out blackjack, poker and other casino based games next time you visit the main Ladbrokes website.

[This was a sponsored post by Ladbrokes. Image courtesy of Richard_of_England]