Niggle at the darts: Mind games get to Phil Taylor

Darts legend Phil Taylor during his semifinal at the Auckland Darts Masters. Photosport

Playful banter or poor sportsmanship?

Social media was divided after darts legend Phil Taylor and young Aussie Corey Cadby exchanged words in a tense semifinal at the Auckland Darts Masters last night.

Cadby, the world youth champion, partook in plenty of banter with the 57-year-old Taylor on a number of occasions in a back and forth semifinal that had everyone in the arena on the edge of their seats.

The niggling tactics employed by Cadby appeared to throw Taylor off his game even though the 16-time world champion continued to smile throughout.

After closing out the match Cadby refused to sign the board prompting more words between the pair.

There were a number of fans on social media who weren't too pleased with the actions of Taylor, who was celebrating his birthday yesterday.

Taylor calls on players to grow up & then behaves like that. Made himself look an idiot #AucklandDarts

— kevin Haley (@kevinhaley42) August 13, 2017

Incredible bottle from Cadby to hold it together amid questionable gamesmanship from Taylor. What an opportunity now. #AucklandDarts

— Jay Shaw (@JayShaw180) August 13, 2017

Look's like Taylor's mind games backfired on him! #AucklandDarts

— Steve Evans (@TheOutlaw180) August 13, 2017

Phil Taylor is a Child #Darts #AucklandDarts #AucklandDartsMasters

— The Cooler (@The____Cooler) August 13, 2017

@PhilTaylor disgraceful on stage tonight. Retire with grace and dignity rather than a sore loser.

— SMArt Designs (@redesignature) August 13, 2017

There was some support for Taylor on Twitter.

Cadby you played well throughout, but that's what you get for disrespecting the legend @PhilTaylor #AucklandDarts

— 🇳🇿vote out ardern 🇺🇸 (@Dredgeydubs) August 13, 2017

Cadby went onto lose the final to fellow Australian Kyle Anderson 11-10.

The series moves to Melbourne next week.