Darts ace Phil Taylor sailed to victory last night in the World Darts Championship. The Power claimed his 14th world title and reporter George Oliver was among the thrower's fans at London's Alexandra Palace to witness the feat

DARTH Maul said that Phil Taylor's World Championship performance was from another world.

The nemesis of the Jedi, also known as James Ashby from Luton, took a night off from conquering the universe to dance in the Ally Pally aisles as The Power went 7-1 up against Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld in last night's World Championship final.

The 29-year-old said quite simply: "He is on a different planet."

Phil's dominance was so overwhelming that sages were revising their early predictions on the extent of his victory as the evening wore on.

Paul McCarthy, from Dublin, had predicted a 7-3 victory as The Power roared his way to the first set.

But with the score at 5-1, the 44-year-old said he couldn't see Phil dropping another set.

He said: "The guy is something else. He is just the best the world has ever seen."

The doors to the huge Victorian exhibition centre had opened at 6pm as 2,500 fans filed into the arena.

They have supped 200,000 pints over the course of the two-week competition and Scott Diston, who had travelled in from Hereford to celebrate his 30th birthday, temporarily laid down a celebratory glass to predict a Power whitewash.

He said: "Phil is going to win comfortably."

The birthday boy wasn't far off in his prediction – although there were plenty in the crowd backing his opponent.

Smatterings of orange shone out in the hall as reminders that it – almost – wasn't purely about the Potteries thrower.

Barney had done his bit for his home country by waving a Dutch flag thrust into his hands as he made his way on to stage.

Seven of the Dutch fans had travelled from Meppel after their employer won a competition.

Sayen Runge, aged 25, said: "I really like Phil, he is the best in the world, but I hope Barney will win."

As proceedings got underway the crowd began to get behind the Power.

Captain America was reprimanded by a bouncer for dancing on his chair as Andy Banks, from Clayton, strolled past in his Stoke City T-shirt.

The 46-year-old was cautiously optimistic but joked that it was a relief to get away from the Potters' current form.

He added: "I am a Stokie, and I want Phil to win, but you can not take anything away from Barney."

It was looking good as Phil took the second set and Steve Begley, aged 46, from Luton, paused to say "He's killing him" as he nipped out to the loo.

Racing the other way was Andy Temple, from Buckinghamshire, unsuccessfully charging back to his seat to grab the attention of lurking TV cameras.

But the 37-year-old still found time to warn: "Barney won't get this back."

But standing watching the demolition job at the betting counter was Nick Chadwick, from Derby, who grinned a rueful smile as Phil went 5-1 ahead.

The 25-year-old had already scooped £3,000 on a £500 each way bet on Barney made at the start of the tournament, but was watching an additional £5,000 slowly slipping through his fingers.

He said: "If Barney pulls it back I will be up there on the stage with him."

Post-match interviews broadcast on big screens were drowned out by choruses of "One Phil Taylor" and a standing ovation from an adoring crowd.

Many supporters filtered into the players' lounge after the game to fans queue up to have their picture taken with the Power.

Legendary darts commentator Sid Waddell bowled up to congratulate the thrower and told The Sentinel: "He is the greatest sportsman that ever walked the land."

Former world champion Eric Bristow said the whole tournament had been a joy, although he would have liked to have seen a closer final.

The Crafty Cockney added: "He has played lovely all the way and it was the final everyone wanted to see."

Meanwhile, The Power said he was proud to represent the Potteries and had won it for everyone in his hometown.

The newly-crowned 14-time world champion plans to celebrate his victory over a formidable opponent with two dozen oatcakes from High Lane Oatcakes.

Given the last word, he added simply: "Job done."