THERE WILL BE no 17th world title for Phil Taylor after Raymond van Barneveld sent him crashing out at Alexandra Palace to set up an all-Netherlands semi-final with Michael van Gerwen.
The 56-year-old has hinted that he might retire during the PDC World Championship and may have played his last match in the prestigious tournament after Van Barneveld beat his old foe 5-3.
Not since winning an epic 2007 final had Van Barneveld got the better of the legendary Taylor in this tournament, but the 12th seed prevailed this time around after averaging 96.31 and throwing six 180s.
Taylor, playing his 24th World Championship quarter-final, battled back to level at three sets apiece after going 3-1 down, but was unable to maintain his momentum.
Neither of the two darting greats were at their brilliant best, but ’Barney’ held his nerve to get over the line and send his raucous army into raptures.
Taylor, who had talked up his chances of regaining his title, looked crestfallen after failing to reach yet another semi-final as he fell short on the big stage.
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