 Mark ‘Walshie’ Walsh came to within three legs of knocking out 13 time world champion Phil Taylor from the PDC Ladbrokes.com World Championships at Alexandra Palace last month.
The Abbots Langley thrower, 42, had ’The Power’ well and truly against the ropes in their second round match, which saw him lead 1-0, 2-1 and 3-2 in a first to four set match. With six 180’s in the opening five sets, Walshie was on top form against an out of sorts Taylor, who at times looked dazed and overawed by Walshie’s consistency. Walsh, who practices at Trowley Rise Men’s Club, took the first set against the Stoke-on-Trent legend by three legs to nil.Taylor then responded by holding his throw in the second set taking it 3-2, before Walshie again showed his form with another flawless set, breaking Taylor’s throw and taking the set by three legs to nil once again. However, Taylor has not won countless titles by quitting, and was again soon on level terms, breaking Walsh’s throw for the first time in the fourth set, taking it 3-0 and levelling the match at two sets apiece. Walshie once again showed his character by regaining the lead over Taylor and was one set away from one of the biggest upsets in Darts history. Sadly for the Abbots Langley player, nerves got the better of him and The Power began to find his form, levelling the match at three sets all and then taking the lead for the first time in the first leg of the seventh set. Walshie by now was struggling to hit the trebles and Taylor needed a checkout of 95 to win the match. He took the route of 25, treble 20 and then double five, winning the decisive set 3-0 and taking the match by four sets to three. A remarkable effort by Walsh had come to an end, but he can take great confidence from a pulsating match which nearly saw him clinch a third round match against Alan Tabern. After the game he told Sky Sports: “Phil didn’t have his best game but I thought I had him at one point.” Walsh had earned his match against Taylor by knocking out Adrian Gray in the first round 3-2 in sets. After overcoming Dartistus, let’s hope Mark continues his fine from into 2008. |
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