Value in Taylor maintaining perfect World Matchplay final record

As Phil Taylor prepares to meet Adrian Lewis for the World Matchplay title in Blackpool, he gears up for his 14th final appearance in the competition.

And considering that he has enjoyed a 100 per cent success rate from his 13 previous finals, it is no surprise to see the Power afforded heavy 2/5 favouritism to come out on top again.

Lewis is a 2/1 shot to end Taylor’s incredible streak, and he could hardly have prepared better for this final, disposing of Michael van Gerwen in a 17-15 thriller.

But the ruthless consistency with which Taylor customarily performs, particularly on this stage, means he simply cannot be backed against.

And in fact, the Power looks terrific value at 1/1 to victor whilst giving up a theoretical 4.5 leg disadvantage to his Stoke counterpart, especially considering such a bet would have paid off in three of his four tournament matches so far.

The 38 wins Taylor has recorded in 48 meetings between the pair are further indication that he has Jackpot’s number meanwhile, and the 52-year-old has won half of their eight finals opposing each other by five or more legs too.

That said, there is money to be made from Lewis in this clash, and if he can replicate the form he demonstrated when besting Van Gerwen, he looks a value 6/5 call to record the highest checkout in the match.

Jackpot took out 119 and 121 checkouts early on in his last outing, and similar totals may be enough to see him overhaul 8/13 Taylor in this market.

And as somewhat of a 180 specialist, Lewis, who looked back to his best in his semi-final triumph, is a tempting 10/11 to rack up at least 11.5 maximums, and is favoured at 1/4 to notch the most 180s in the match.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.