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.
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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.”
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(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.
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