Taylor celebrates taking another set

The 10-time champion will face Kevin Painter, who whitewashed Bob Anderson 6-0 in the other semi-final, as he bids for an 11th title.

Taylor surged into a 4-0 lead against Mardle before easing up slightly as his opponent took the fifth set.

But "The Power" hit back in the next, only for Mardle to bravely make it 5-2 before Taylor clinched victory.

"I am absolutely shattered now," Taylor said afterwards.

"He was coming back and keeping the pressure on but at 5-1 I told myself I just needed to put three legs together."

Both men threw 11 180s during the match, but Taylor's greater finishing power prevailed.

"I really want this 11th title and if I don't win it this year I will be absolutely gutted," he added.

"If Kevin wants it he is going to have to play well to beat me."

Painter celebrates with a flourish

Painter, beaten by eventual champion John Part in a thrilling semi-final 12 months ago, took the first three legs against Anderson to clinch the opening set.

The first two legs of the second were shared before Painter edged a crucial third leg on route to taking the second.

"The Artist" then moved impressively through the gears, winning nine of the next 14 legs to move within one set of victory.

And there was no way back for the 1988 world champion as Painter nailed three double 20s to seal an emphatic win.

"I feel sorry for Bob because I wouldn't like that to happen to me," said Painter.

"But he told me not to apologise because he would have done it to me given the chance," said Painter.

"I never really missed a thing and everything went right for me. I stayed cool under pressure and I'm looking forward to the final now."