Mardle tips Taylor for World Matchplay

Wayne Mardle has tipped Phil 'the Power' Taylor to win his first televised event of 2011 at the World Matchplay – if he can get past Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones.

The tournament at Blackpool's Winter Gardens started on Saturday, with reigning champion and 11-time winner Taylor joining last year's quarter finalist Jones as two of 32 names in the mix.

And the duo could be on a collision course as they are set to meet in the second round, provided Taylor beats Mark Hylton and Jones overcomes Scott Rand in the first round tonight.

Mardle, himself a runner up to Taylor in the 2003 final, will have the best seat in the house as a commentator for Sky Sports.

'Hawaii 5-0-1' was in Wolverhampton last night for a darts exhibition at the city's Cleveland Arms pub on Stowheath Lane, along with World Matchplay participant John Henderson.

It comes as Taylor is suffering one of his worst runs in a career that has seen him labelled 'the Pele of darts,' but Mardle believes he still has 'the Power' to pull another title out of the hat.

He said: "I can see Taylor winning the Matchplay. He likes Blackpool, he likes the venue and, when you have got a good feeling about something, it makes it slightly easier.

"He didn't win the Premier League but he averaged 104 over the 14 weeks and, in the semi-finals, he averaged 99. If he continues to average 99, he will probably win the Matchplay.

"That's how good Phil Taylor is. People think that because he gets beat, he's on his way out. No, not a chance.

"If he thought he was on his way out, being the personality he is, he would pack it in."

Bringing a major title back to Wolverhampton continues to elude Jones, 46, a 23-year veteran of the professional circuit.

But Rand, who only joined the PDC last year, represents a winnable first round tie and Mardle believes Jones could give Taylor a real run for his money if the two meet in the next phase.

Mardle said: "Wayne Jones is a phenomenal player and he's got a great appetite for the game. But he's also willing to fight and do whatever he can to win the game.

"Scott Rand is a good draw for Wayne, possibly playing Phil Taylor in the second round will be tough but Wayne will be up for it and will give his all.

"Wayne has got the ability to beat Phil Taylor, but it's all on the day."

Question marks remain over Mardle's 18-year career as a professional darts player continuing, especially after his success since moving behind the camera over the past year.

But the 38-year-old insists he will return for another run with a renewed – and probably last – push next year.

He said: "First and foremost, I am a darts player and I want to concentrate on that. But next year is make or break for me. If I make it, I will be playing darts for a long time.

"If I don't qualify for the main tournaments on the circuit, then that will probably be me done as a competitive darts player.

"As a commentator, I am all eyes and ears at the moment. But I am in my late thirties and Sid Waddell in his seventies so, potentially, I have got another 70 odd years at it."

Fiery Scotsman Henderson was also on hand at the Cleveland last night, ahead of his World Matchplay first round clash against 2005 tournament winner Colin Lloyd tomorrow night.

Henderson comes in as the underdog but actually overcame his opponent in a local tournament in Inverness last weekend.

He said: "I know what Colin is capable of, he's a big name and I have got a lot of respect for him, but I would like to think I could get through that one."