Taylor reveals struggle to rediscover form ahead of shock return

PHIL TAYLOR admits he “just ain’t got it” as he battles to rediscover his form ahead of his shock comeback.

The 16-time world champion is preparing to return to competitive action at next month’s MODUS Super Series International Pairs tournament in Portsmouth.

Taylor, 66, will team up with former World Cup partner Adrian Lewis as the pair reunite for the first time in a decade.

But The Power has revealed his preparations have been tougher than expected after spending years away from competitive darts.

He told talkSPORT: “I’m trying my best. I’m practicing, I'm doing everything properly. I just ain’t got it at the moment. It’s not there.

“I retired in 2019 and have done a few exhibitions since.

“I’ve hung my darts up for four or five years so to get my form back is very difficult.”

Taylor is the most successful player in darts history, with a staggering 87 major titles to his name, including a record 16 World Championships.

The Stoke-on-Trent legend also won a record 16 World Matchplay titles and lifted the World Cup FOUR times alongside Lewis while representing England.

But since Taylor walked away from the professional ranks in 2018, Luke Littler has emerged as the sport’s new flagbearer.

The teen sensation has already racked up 14 major titles and sits THIRD on the all-time list despite not yet reaching his 20th birthday.

However, Littler’s incredible rise has also made him a target for fans who back the underdog, with The Nuke regularly subjected to booing and jeering.

Taylor reckons Littler will simply have to learn to live with the hostility that comes with being the best player in the world.

He added: “You've got to get used to it. I’ve had things shouted at me and I've had to look in the dictionary to see what they meant.

“You’re thinking ‘what are you on about?’

“It’s just sport and it’s gambling as well, a lot of people gamble.

“If young Luke gets beat then obviously people win money. They always have a little bet against him because he’s always big odds. It was the same when I was playing.

“It’s something he’s got to get used to. If not, he’ll make his money then he’ll walk away.”

Image: Taylor Lanning