Phil Taylor: Doubles cost me in bid for 17th world title

Anderson celebrates hitting the winning double as Taylor looks on Credit: John Walton/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Phil Taylor said his shots at doubles cost him, as he lost a thrilling PDC World Championship final 7-6 to Gary Anderson.

The 16-time champion from Stoke-on-Trent was bidding for his 17th title at the Alexandra Palace.

But it wasn't to be as Anderson shrugged off losing nine of 10 legs after going 3-1 up, a no score, and shouts from the crowd when the game was tied at 4-4, to take the game to a deciding set at 6-6.

Anderson celebrates hitting the winning double as Taylor looks on Credit: John Walton/PA Wire/Press Association Images

In the last set, Anderson took the opening frame, before Taylor missed three glorious chances to level the scores again, when he couldn't hit double 16. Anderson took it with double 18.

And he went on to claim the £250,000 prize with a 180 to start the third leg, and despite missing a bullseye to win, he then hit double 12 for victory.

Gary Anderson lifts the trophy Credit: John Walton/PA Wire/Press Association Images

With the game all over, Taylor told Sky Sports it was his inability to hit doubles that cost him the title.

Champ, Gary Anderson, said winning his first title felt even sweeter because it was against Taylor.