PDC Changed Rule After Phil Taylor Incident In World Darts Championship Final

The PDC changed an important rule following the epic 2007 World Darts Championship final between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.

In 2007, 'The Power' was aiming to win his fourth consecutive world title, having triumphed in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

He beat Kevin Painter, Mark Dudbridge and Peter Manley in each final from 2004 to 2006.

Standing in the way of Taylor was Van Barneveld, who went onto claim his first PDC world title in a thrilling match.

Van Barneveld beat Taylor 7-6 in a game that went to a sudden death leg.

In the deciding set, Van Barneveld and Taylor couldn't be separated as they drew 5-5 on legs before a sudden death leg was played out.

To determine who threw first in the sudden death leg, both players had to bull up.

Raymond van Barneveld beat Phil Taylor in the 2007 World Darts Championship final. Image: Getty

Taylor went first and hit an outer bullseye, just a little below the intended target.

Before the Dutchman attempted his throw at the bull, he informed the referee that he wanted his opponent's dart left on the board as a marker.

"Notice that Van Barneveld has asked for that dart to be left in. He can use that as a guide," said the commentator, who immediately spotted what was unfolding.

'Barney' used Taylor's dart to hit the bullseye and win the throw before ultimately winning the sudden death leg to win the championship.

It was later deemed to be an unfair advantage for Van Barneveld in the bull up given he had a marker to aim for with Taylor's dart to the bullseye with his dart.

The PDC implemented a rule change following the 2007 World Darts Championship.

To decide the throw in subsequent tournaments, the first player's dart at the bull must be removed from the board before the second player throws their dart.

The player closest to the bullseye wins the right to choose to throw first or second in the leg.

If both players hit the same area, they re-throw, alternating who throws first on each subsequent attempt until a winner emerges, with all darts removed after each throw for fairness.