Darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor is convinced he is seeing a mirror image emerge in “bully” Michael van Gerwen.

– Van Gerwen seals Dubai Masters hat-trick against Taylor
– A Day With: Darts legend Phil Taylor returns to Dubai
– Friday Night Live at Dubai Sports City all set to kick off

The 54-year-old earned a ruthless reputation with 16 World Championship triumphs between 1995 and 2013 when he sat at the pinnacle of the sport.

But World No 1 ‘Mighty Mike’ turned the tables on him on Friday night during a gripping Dubai Duty Free Masters, storming through the last five legs to win 11-8.

“He is a special kid, this lad,” Taylor said. “I never thought anyone would replicate what I had done. He is doing what I used to do – bullying people. He is a bully during the games and hits the right shots at the right time.

“He wanted 85 at one stage and went for treble 19, nearly missing the board with one dart then went bang down the middle. During the next few years, we will have a lot of battles as I am playing well again.” 

Van Gerwen showed character to make it three victories in three trips to Dubai, coming behind in each of his matches in 2015 against Raymond van Barneveld, Adrian Lewis and ‘The Power’.

He said: “Every game was so difficult for me, it was hard work. But the guys are playing really well. I am really glad I won my hat-trick, it has been fantastic. I am really proud of how I did. My mindset, focus and confidence are really good at the moment.”

He added: “I lost the [2015] Premier League Darts final [on May 21]. Sometimes it is good to lose. “You have to be thankful you can do things like this.”