Phil Taylor is retiring from darts after forty years. The 64-year-old darts icon has been competing in the World Seniors Tour in recent years but is ready for the next step.
“It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and passionate community,” Taylor writes on his website. “I want to thank everyone for their support during this incredible journey. Your encouragement and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind my success.”
Taylor is considered the best darts player of all time. ‘The Power’ has been crowned world darts champion sixteen times, making him the record holder. Between 1995 and 2010, the world title didn’t go to Taylor only three times. In 2007, Raymond van Barneveld won in the final against the darter from Stoke-on-Trent. Taylor won more than two hundred tournaments in total.
In 2018, the Brit said goodbye to the highest level. In the years that followed, he still competed in the World Seniors Tour. Last year, Taylor said that he was in a lot of pain due to the effects of arthritis and was therefore not reaching his level in matches. The Englishman played his last match in March last year.
“I have achieved more than I ever dared to dream. As one chapter ends, the next begins. This transition opens new doors for me to explore the sport in other ways,” says Taylor, who gives no details about the content of his future yet.