Express & Star

The Grand Slam could again feel 'the Power'

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You would have been hard pressed not to envisage a Michael van Gerwen-Phil Taylor final when the Grand Slam of Darts draw was made.

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And the schedule of play doesn't do anything to suggest anything other than a title decider between the top two at Wolverhampton Civic Hall,

writes Craig Birch.

It's the match that all Black Country darts fans will be hoping for a week on Sunday, even if the critics will again tell you that Taylor is on the wane.

Most insiders will tell you there is one golden rule among the throwers - never rule him' out. Even now, it's his Grand Slam to lose.

He's taken the winner's spoils in five of the seven years since the tournament's inception, including last time out, and this could be just what he needs to turn 2014 around.

The sport's legendary figure has stuttered through the past few months, but recall his last major title was convincingly over van Gerwen 18-9 in July's World Matchplay.

On any given day, the 54-year-old is still capable of repeating that feat, even if he's been hard pressed to stop the rise to world champion status of the young Dutchman.

'MvG,' at 25, is the top seed and has been to a Grand Slam final before, where it was finally Raymond van Barneveld's time to shine again two years ago.

But van Gerwen can be beat, although anyone facing Taylor inevitably ups their game. The chasing pack of James Wade and Adrian Lewis both know what to expect.

As is the beauty of the game, there's always the chance that Taylor will have one of the off nights that have dented his invincible aura as he's got older. He's human, after all.

When that happens, it's anybody's competition, which is how BDO star Scott Waites and 'Barney' claimed their Grand Slam glory. If that comes to pass, all bets are off.

But those who expect to see the money they put to their mouth again would be wise to lay the green down in accordance with the form book.

So what price Taylor-van Gerwen for the Grand Slam when it comes down to the wire at the Civic? Not exactly great.

The odds on 'the Power' getting his mits on the trophy and then going on to be a world champion for a 17th time? Now that could be worth a flutter...