Taylor back in big time with new legends event

By Phil Lanning

PHIL TAYLOR is to make a sensational return to competitive darts in a new World Seniors tournament early in 2022.

The 16-times World Champion, at the age of 61, will head an all-star line-up including Martin Adams, Andy Fordham, John Lowe, Dennis Priestley, Bob Anderson and Riche Burnett.

It is likely to be a knockout event staged in London at a venue to be finalised, also televised and organised by Modus Darts and Jason Francis who produces a similar format in snooker.

The only stipulation, we understand, is that each player has to be over 50 and been crowned World Champion in either code.

It is therefore likely that Scottish 1997 World Champion Les Wallace, who returned to action in the recent Modus Live League, is also set to take his place in the line-up. There could also be a comeback opportunity for three-times World Champ John Part.

The return of Taylor to competition is a major coup for the organisers and the perfect scenario for legend The Power.

He has just signed a remarkable 10-year contract extension with Target Darts which will take him into his 70s, almost unheard of in any sport. 

Travelling has been the biggest issue for Taylor, but a one-off tournament would certainly get him fired-up again.

In an exclusive interview with Oche four days ago, Taylor admitted he missed the adrenalin rush of playing.

He said: “I still want to play competitively, not on the circuit, but I’ll play exhibitions. I still want to win and I miss that competition.

“I’m not a big watcher of darts because I love playing. Now I just look at it and think I’d love to have a go at Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, because I like them.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.