Darts: Super Power Bourn again

PHIL TAYLOR won the Bobby Bourn Memorial Players Championship for a sixth successive year with a whitewash of Ronnie Baxter in the final in Blackpool.

Taylor warmed up in style for the Stan James World Matchplay with a stunning display of darts at the Winter Gardens.

He failed to drop a leg in his first three games and hit eight 180s in a quarter-final victory over Colin Lloyd before defeating world champion John Part in the semi-finals.

Taylor, from Bradwell, then swept past Baxter to claim the £5,000 winner's cheque, taking four successive legs to win the opening two sets – twice hitting two 180s in a leg and landing two 11-darters.

He also led in the third set, before Baxter took out double nine to get off the mark.

But Taylor wrapped up the win in style with a 126 finish, checking out on the bullseye to remain unbeaten in the history of the tournament.

The win is Taylor's 10th in 14 PDC Pro Tour events this year, and saw him repeat his victory over Baxter in the final of last month's Las Vegas Players Championship.

Baxter's run to the final included a win against world number two Raymond van Barneveld and world number three James Wade, as well as Mark Dudbridge.

Taylor's campaign at the World Matchplay begins today with a first-round clash against Steve Beaton, while world number two Raymond van Barneveld takes on debutant Mark Frost, from Caverswall, who has been practising with Taylor ahead of the event.

Part is in action against Westport Lake-based Chris Mason, while two of the sport's best young talents clash when Cross Heath thrower Adrian Lewis takes on Kevin McDine.

TV: Sky Sports One, 7pm