Phil Taylor leaves commentator ‘gobsmacked’ with ‘mind games’ at World Seniors
Phil Taylor reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 World Seniors Darts Championship with a win over Darren Johnson that included some vintage mind games from The Power.
The 16-time world champion stepped onto the Circus Tavern stage following a nervy first-round win over Colin McGarry – and ended up a 3-1 winner.
However, there were stages of the game in with Taylor didn’t find his best darts and is thought to have played some mind games in the opening set.
READ MORE: Peter Wright hammered by Steve Beaton as Bronzed Adonis springs ProTour shock
Needing 84 to level things up at two legs apiece in the first, Taylor hit single 20 to leave 64, then 16 to leave 48, before hitting a second one with Johnson waiting on 67.
Former PDC pro Paul Nicholson said on commentary: “Why? Why why why. Wouldn’t you go 14 bull when Darren Johnson is on 67.”
Chris Murphy added: “Well he played a similar trick against Kevin Painter at the Matchplay, it paid off on that occasion he was in a similar spot. In some situations that is a percentage play, that is not. On that occasion it is pure mind games.”
Was Phil Taylor playing mind games? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
(Image: BBC Sport)
With Johnson then missing a dart at tops on his 67 required, Taylor stepped up and punished him.
Nicholson continued: “I agree… and it worked! I am gobsmacked by that. That has got to be a tactic to try and get in DJ’s head.”
Having broken the will of his opponent with a 161 finish which was followed up by a 180, Taylor took the win and explained his position to presenter Helen Chamberlain.
(Image: BBC Sport)
He said: “Darren was a little wind up merchant which I’ve never realised before.”
Then added: “I think it made him nervous, cos he’s not that kind… when you’re out of character and you do something that’s not your personality it makes you nervous a little bit. If you talk the talk…”
Next up for Taylor is a clash against local favourite Richie Howson, with the tournament favourites including Leonard Gates and reigning champion Robert Thornton.
READ NEXT: