A Visit to the Blackpool Winter Gardens...

Yesterday saw the final of the Professional Darts Corporation's World Matchplay, in the lovely seaside town of Blackpool.  Having competed in the event myself a number of times, I do feel that the historic Winter Gardens is perhaps the greatest darts venue ever.

With regard to the tournament itself, it has proved one of the most successful for British players.  In its 22-year history, only twice has the winner come from outside the UK, and on both occasions, the losing finalist was English.

So, here is a complete list of finalists since the event's inception in 1994.  All players are English unless otherwise stated.

1994 - Larry Butler (USA) bt Dennis Priestley
1995 - Phil Taylor bt Dennis Priestley
1996 - Peter Evison bt Dennis Priestley
1997 - Phil Taylor bt Alan Warriner
1998 - Rod Harrington bt Ronnie Baxter
1999 - Rod Harrington bt Peter Manley
2000 - Phil Taylor bt Alan Warriner
2001 - Phil Taylor bt Richie Burnett (Wales)
2002 - Phil Taylor bt John Part (Canada)
2003 - Phil Taylor bt Wayne Mardle
2004 - Phil Taylor bt Mark Dudbridge
2005 - Colin Lloyd bt John Part (Canada)
2006 - Phil Taylor bt James Wade
2007 - James Wade bt Terry Jenkins
2008 - Phil Taylor bt James Wade
2009 - James Wade bt Terry Jenkins
2010 - Phil Taylor bt Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands)
2011 - Phil Taylor bt James Wade
2012 - Phil Taylor bt James Wade
2013 - Phil Taylor bt Adrian Lewis
2014 - Phil Taylor bt Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands)
2015 - Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) bt James Wade

A match average of over 100 (in the final) has been recorded on 15 occasions.  It is these figures that really illustrate Taylor's dominance...

111.23 - Phil Taylor (2013)
109.47 - Phil Taylor (2008)
107.19 - Phil Taylor (2014)
106.32 - Phil Taylor (1997)
106.05 - Phil Taylor (2009)
105.92 - Adrian Lewis (2013)
105.16 - Phil Taylor (2010)
103.84 - Phil Taylor (2011)
102.58 - James Wade (2008)
101.49 - Michael van Gerwen (2014)
100.51 - Peter Evison (1996)
100.32 - Phil Taylor (2000)
100.20 - Phil Taylor (2004)
100.11 - Raymond van Barneveld (2010)
100.08 - Phil Taylor (2006)