TAYLOR LIFTS LID ON CROWD THAT TRIGGERED RETIREMENT

PHIL TAYLOR revealed the modern darts crowd played a major part in his decision to retire from the sport.

The 16-time world champion had dominated for decades but admits he always expected the end to come suddenly. 

The Power realised his time was up during a match with Terry Jenkins at the World Matchplay when the atmosphere no longer felt right to him. 

Taylor believes the rise of fancy dress and drinking culture has changed the sport and explained it is not something he enjoyed. 

He told the Double Tops Podcast: “I was never really sure when, or if, I would want to retire but I was told that I would wake up one morning and just know that I’d had enough. 

“I was playing Terry Jenkins at the World Matchplay – I always thought the crowd at that tournament were the best around.  

“They were real darts fans and I looked around during my match with Terry and the atmosphere wasn’t what it used to be.  

“That was the first time I was thinking ‘this isn’t right and my career is coming to an end’. 

“I wasn’t used to the sort of new-age crowd of everyone at the bar in fancy dress and I think that’s the same with the worlds now.  

“I’d struggle being a commentator or that type of role because I’ve always been used to being able to say whatever I want… but you can’t do that these days. 

“I knew roughly when I was going to retire but that year really dragged out – a bit like when you’re waiting to go on holiday.” 

Taylor brought the curtain down on his glittering career in 2018 after reaching the final at Ally Pally, where he was beaten by Rob Cross.

Image by Taylor Lanning.