Phil Taylor has announced his official retirement from darts. He last competed in a professional match in 2018 but has remained a key player on the World Seniors Tour and has regularly played exhibitions.
The 64-year-old announced on his website that he is ‘finished’ with the sport, saying: “I’m officially announcing that I’ve finished playing darts now.
“So if anybody wants to come and see me, I won’t be playing darts now. You can meet me, great me, have a picture with me, have a chat with me, but I won’t be playing darts anymore. Just to let you know, so you’re not disappointed.”
The Power won a remarkable 87 majors during his career, but he is now considering the next step in his career and teased that future announcements were in the pipeline in an extended statement.
Taylor wrote: “After a long and fantastic career over the last 40 years, I announce that from today I am retiring from playing darts. It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and passionate community.
“I would like to thank each and everyone for your support through this incredible journey. Your encouragement and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind my success. A journey which has enabled me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful for the friendships I’ve formed and the experiences I’ve shared.
“As one chapter closes, another one opens. This transition opens up new opportunities for me to explore and engage with the sport in different ways.
“I look forward to meeting fans old and new around the country and I will continue to update this website with future announcements. Please stay tuned for upcoming events, appearances, and projects that I am excited to undertake. Thank you once again for all the wonderful memories.”
It remains to be seen where Taylor’s career takes him next, and the darts legend is unlikely to be short of opportunities having asserted himself as one of the very best to grace the oche during the peak of his career. The Power has turned his hand to punditry previously, though his availability now that he has stepped back from the World Seniors Tour could see other doors open for him further down the line too.