"Why push it? Forget what he's won. It would be an absolute dream for him"
Thursday 3 August 2017 14:20, UK
Wayne Mardle and John Part discuss whether 15-time World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor should retire if he wins another title in Blackpool.
Taylor ended Michael van Gerwen's reign as World Matchplay champion with a stunning 16-6 success to set up a semi-final against Adrian Lewis on a dramatic Friday night.
The former world No 1, backed by a vociferous crowd, pinned tops to seal a memorable success against the Dutchman on the Winter Gardens stage and is now favourite to complete a fairy-tale ending on the seaside resort.
Taylor is retiring at the end of the year, but the 56-year-old rolled back the years in the most incredible way, hitting 10 maximums and finding 57 per cent of his doubles.
And his latest performance has got the Sky Sports panel thinking whether he should possibly stay in the game beyond the 2018 World Championship.
This is his format - this is the place
"If he could win this one, this would be absolutely perfect for him and then say it [retire]," said Mardle.
"Why push it? Forget what he's won. It would be an absolute dream for him. He hasn't won a major since 2014 so there's no reason why he would go to the worlds, playing a format that he's not a lover of now. This is his format - this is the place."
And looking ahead to Saturday's semi-final showdown, Mardle added: "If Adrian Lewis starts banging it in against Taylor, what a game it's going to be."
Watch all the action from the World Matchplay Darts at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from 7pm on Sky Action and Sky Sports Mix on Saturday night, or watch for £6.99 without a contract on NOW TV. The arrows run right through until the final on Sunday, July 30.
Who will win the World Matchplay at the world famous Empress Ballroom? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting @SkySportsDarts or by using the comments box below - sign in with Facebook. Follow us on Twitter & use #LoveTheDarts
