Be Very Afraid!!! The Power is Back.

Following his first three defeats ever in the Premier League, Phil 'The Power' Taylor announced what every dart player feared- " I'm back"

As we headed into Week 6 of the 2008 competition, the knives were well and truly out for 'The Power' (or as Legendary Commentator Sid Waddell calls him 'The Powaaa'). Having switched his darts to something reminiscent of those found at seaside funfairs, Taylor had managed only two victories so far, the latest an 8-0 drubbing of comedy player Wayne 'Hawaii 501' Mardle. Taylor insisted that it would take time to become comfortable with the new Tungsten arrows and that it was only a matter of time until he was back to his best.

The sceptics sensed blood. Was 'The Power' no longer the invincible machine of old. From the darts he was playing, they had a point. So far removed was his throwing from what we were accustomed to that Taylor looked like a spent force.

So to the biggest test so far, 2007 World Champion and long time rival Raymond 'Barney' van Barneveld. Undefeated so far in this year's event and looking to put another dart in Taylor's coffin, 'Barney' must have been feeling confident.

Taylor announced pre-match that he'd lengthened his arrows to give better flight and was confident in his new 'understacking' technique. So, GAME ON.

What followed was to many a darting miracle. 'The Power' was suddenly throwing with superb confidence, accuracy and finishing with aplomb. Barneveld looked shaken. A 121 check out in the opening leg set the tone. To his credit, 'Barney' managed to hold the score at 3-3 when the players went for their break.

Returning re-Powered (ouch!) Taylor stepped on the gas and left his old foe trailing. Averaging at 111, Taylor banged in another 121 finish and a 144. Suddenly it was 7-3 to 'The Power'. And so to the final coup de grace, a stunning 167 checkout finishing with the bull. 8-3 to Taylor.

Cue delirious scenes from the 5,000 strong audience and worried faces from the other players. 'The Power' had just put in one of the greatest displays in recent times and with a 'I told you so' look on his beaming face took the deserved plaudits.

With other results going his way & his darts once more doing his bidding , Taylor now looks poised to charge back up the league when the action resumes in Manchester. But a week is a long time in darts.....