Taylor claims he is getting more attention than Tyson Fury after stunning darts return

PHIL TAYLOR reckons he is getting more publicity than TYSON FURY after making his shock return to competitive darts.

Former world No1 Taylor will represent England alongside Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament in Portsmouth from November 23 to 28.

Taylor, 66, stepped away from the professional PDC circuit in 2018 after losing 7-2 to Rob Cross in the World Championship final.

But The Power has now picked up his darts again after being invited to reunite with Lewis, with the pair having previously won FOUR PDC World Cup of Darts titles together.

Taylor admits he has been stunned by the publicity surrounding his comeback, even claiming he has received more attention than Fury ahead of his blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua in Cardiff on December 11.

He told GMB: “The reaction is, I’m gobsmacked, to be honest with you. It’s been absolutely brilliant. I’m getting more publicity than Tyson Fury.”

The 16-time world champ Taylor says it was the buzz and camaraderie of life on the road that he had missed most since stepping away from the pro ranks.

He added: “I think the quietness really, you know, being at home a lot now. Not being as busy, so I have to try and do other things to make myself busy.

“So, when I got invited to it, I took it with both hands. I’ll have a go. I can’t play like I used to do.

“Obviously, I am too old now. I’ll give it a good go and I’ll enjoy it. Obviously, Adrian Lewis as well, he’s a great partner.

“He’s great to play with. We’ll have a good laugh in the practice room. It’s all changed now. All the youngsters, they’re very quiet with headphones on.”

Taylor revealed he has barely played for the past seven or eight years and knows his age will make the comeback even harder.

Asked how much he will practise, he said: “I’ll probably do a couple of hours today. But it’s just trying to get my throw back because I’ve not really played for seven or eight years.

“So, it’s getting your form back. But it is difficult because everything changes. I’m 66, I’m not 30 anymore.

“So, it’s harder work as you get older.”