Taylor reveals honest assessment of his game as he considers return to darts

PHIL TAYLOR admits he “couldn’t beat” Luke Littler or Luke Humphries as he works to rediscover his best form.

The Stoke-on-Trent thrower won a record 16 world titles and 87 major trophies during his glittering career.

Taylor, 66, walked away from the sport in 2018 after losing the World Championship final 7-2 to Rob Cross.

The Power later played on the World Seniors Darts Tour from 2022 to 2024, reaching the World Seniors Championship quarter-finals twice before leaving the oche for good in May 2025.

But Taylor has revealed he is back putting the hours in as he looks to return to some form of competitive action, whether that be exhibitions or local events.

He told Oche180: “Yeah, we will play little odd things for fun. I am practising for about an hour a day.

“My form isn’t like it used to be. I just have to sharpen up a little bit. Everything changes as you get older.

“I am 66 now so your body changes. I am training a lot now and doing gym work.

“I’m trying to get back as I used to do. I am eating very healthy. We will see what happens now. See if I can get my form back.

“I am playing alright. But not like I could. I couldn’t beat the two Lukes at the minute or the Chris Dobey’s or whatever.

“I can hold my own in a pub league.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning