Phil Taylor still irked by 2007 World final loss as he takes on old rival van Barneveld… from their own living rooms
PHIL TAYLOR resumes his great rivalry with Raymond van Barneveld one final time — from his own living room.
The Power, 59, and the 52-year-old Dutchman have agreed to a one-off virtual darts match tomorrow night, as first revealed by SunSport last month.
They will take part in an internet clash to raise funds for charity and give fans some much-needed top-class sport during the Covid-19 crisis.
And the latest chapter to the endearing El Dartico saga will happen via the Target Nexus Electronic Dartboard.
In 83 head-to-heads, Taylor has 61 wins against Barney’s 18 victories with four draws.
It might not match the famous 2007 world darts final for drama, but it will be their strangest encounter.
Taylor said: “I should have never lost that Circus Tavern final. I’m sitting here now thinking that’s money I’ve thrown away there that I could have used now.
“I’ve had loads of good matches with Raymond.
“One of the best ones, even though I lost it, was the UK Open in Bolton in 2006, when he went jumping round the stage like a kangaroo.
“He went out on 97. I’d just missed, I think, three at double top to win it and he went out on 97.
“It was the most talked about rivalry. Sky would put up “Taylor vs Barneveld” and they had a clock ticking down for weeks.
“It got busy after that. Barry Hearn put on so many tournaments it was second nature.
“I was playing Raymond every other week then. So it lost that little bit of a thrill really. It’s like Man Utd playing Liverpool every other week, it loses something.”
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The best-of-13-legs match will be shown on Paddy Power’s social media channels.
Dave Clark, the Sky Sports presenter, will host the show and popular MC John McDonald will announce the walk-ons — with Taylor and Barney coming through their kitchens.
Donations will be encouraged and Paddy Power will give £1,000 to the Heroes charity for every 180 hit.
Taylor has ruled out a comeback and says next year is likely to be his final one on the exhibition circuit.
The 16-time world darts champion said: “This is more for the NHS, I’m not bothered whether I win, lose or draw, it’s all about raising money.
“A comeback? I’m too old now, I’ve got arthritis in my right hip. I’ve got to have a new hip fitted when all this dies down. I pulled my back.
“I’m not fit enough to compete against these youngsters now and put the practice in.”