PHIL TAYLOR has hailed his nine-dart finish at the BetVictor World Matchplay - and ominously told his rivals that he can become 'better than ever'.
Taylor created another piece of history on Wednesday night as he produced his second nine-dart finish at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, scoring 180, 177 and finishing 144 for a perfect leg, matching his 2002 achievement in the event.
After defeating Darren Webster in the first round on Sunday night, Taylor had predicted that he believed a nine-darter would be hit during his second round meeting with Michael Smith.
And the Stoke legend duly delivered as he sent the Winter Gardens crowd into raptures with a stunning nine darts, before going on to complete a 13-6 win to avenge his World Championship loss to the emerging talent.
"It's a memorable night for me and for everybody who supports me and I'm pleased as punch," said Taylor.
"I thought that there might be a nine-darter against Michael because he's a really good, up-and-coming player and one to watch for the future - he doesn't give in.
"The three 126 finishes were the killer and the nine-darter was the icing on the cake.
"I love it here; I love the venue, the staging, the building, the crowd and everything about this particular tournament. It's something that over the years that I've fallen in love with, and to go on and win it again would be amazing."
Taylor has spent six months tweaking the design of his new darts, but believes that he can return to the form which saw him dominate the circuit during 2013 in the coming months.
"I feel confident and now that I've got things right I'll be a different kettle of fish," added Taylor, who turns 54 next month. "I've got my equipment right, absolutely bang on.
"I've been struggling a little bit over the last couple of months, but I think now I will improve [to be] even better than I was before.
"That's a bold statement but I really feel that confident about it now. The darts are the right length and the right weight, and everything is perfect - it's only human error now!"
Click below to watch an exclusive Phil Taylor interview at the OfficialPDC YouTube Channel