In January 2014, Van Gerwen won the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship and replaced Taylor as the world number one, and a month later inflicted the first whitewash over Taylor in Premier League Darts history by beating him 7-0 in 13 minutes with an average of 109.59. Van Gerwen whitewashed Taylor 4-0 in the final of the 2014 PDC World Cup of Darts, en route to the Netherlands 3-0 win over England. In July, they contested the final of the 2014 World Matchplay (darts); Taylor won 11 of the first 13 legs and went on to win 18-9, averaging 107.27. The loss reduced Van Gerwen to tears on the stage afterwards. In August, the pair met in the final of the inaugural 2014 Perth Darts Masters with Taylor fighting back from 6-3 down in legs to win 11-9 whilst averaging 105.08.. Which player lost the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship, Van Gerwen or Taylor?