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Phil Taylor had some harsh words for world champion Michael van Gerwen after their World Matchplay quarterfinal in Blackpool. Taylor, who is retiring at the end of the year, rolled back the years as he demolished world No. 1 Van Gerwen 16-6 to continue his quest for a 16th Matchplay title at the Winter Gardens. A clearly focused Taylor had some harsh words for Van Gerwen after too, telling Sky Sports the world champion needs to "grow up" after claiming the Dutchman was texting fellow players during the break of his early-round match against Simon Whitlock. "He's a professional, he's world number one, he's world champion, grow up," Taylor said. "I think he's stupid for doing that. I don't think he's been right all week." On his own showing, backed by a vociferous crowd in Blackpool, he added: "I thought 'play your own game, get on with it'. Eric Bristow text me and told me to take it one leg at a time." Taylor will face Adrian Lewis in the semifinal after the two-time world champion saw off Alan Norris 16-13. "I didn't have any expectations at the start of the week," said Lewis, who recently underwent hand surgery. "To be in the semifinals, I', over the moon." Peter Wright takes on Daryl Gurney in Saturday's opening semifinal. Information from the Press Association was used in this report.
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