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Taylor Sees American Dream
PDC / Bull’s-Eye News Official Event Report
May 22, 2006
 PHIL TAYLOR believes that the World Series of Darts will help to take professional darts in America to a new level.
Taylor was victorious in the inaugural event at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut on Sunday, defeating Adrian Lewis in the final.
The tournament initially pitted 16 American Qualifiers against the top 16 players in the world, with a $1M first prize on offer to a US-based champion.
Over 2,000 players attempted to qualify for the event, including 256 who entered the Friday Night Madness tournament which offered the final four American places.
"It's been a fantastic event," said Taylor.
"This is a massive breakthrough for darts in America and I'm sure it will be bigger next year.
"The game is going worldwide at the moment and the opportunities are massive.
"There's a lot of talent in America and I can only urge players over in the United States to get their darts out and start practising for next year!"
Taylor was back to his imperious best in winning 13-5 against his practice partner and protege Lewis, claiming the $100,000 winner's cheque in style.
"I'm thrilled to have won this," he added. "It was hard for both me and Adrian in the final because we're very close, and he played brilliantly.
"I knew I couldn't let him in and I had to be better than anything he threw at me."
Lewis was appearing in the biggest final of his career, and he admitted that the event would be an important learning curve.
"I was looking forward to the final but it was hard to concentrate because it was Phil," said the 21-year-old.
"But I'll learn from this and I'm confident I can get a different result the next time we meet, it's good experience."
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