TAYLOR ON RETURN TO OCHE
25/02/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
PHIL TAYLOR has refused to rule out a competitive comeback to the oche.
The Power, who recently underwent hip surgery, had to withdraw from his farewell appearance at the World Seniors Masters in November.
He remains heavily involved in the sport as a pundit and ambassador for the World Seniors Tour and the Pluto TV MODUS Super Series.
Although, the 16-time World champion admitted the manner of his retirement was tough to take.
Taylor said in Reach’s darts season preview publication: “It was a bit sad, like an end of an era. It’d been my job for 40 years and, all of a sudden, I couldn’t do it.
“So I was a little bit sad but all a bit relieved because I haven’t got any pressure on me anymore now.”
Now equipped with a new hip and improved vision from laser eye surgery, the Stoke-on-Trent throwers primary concern remains a persistent bad back.
On the chances of a return to the oche, he added: “I don’t think so. I went to see a specialist recently about my back. Then I’ve got to go for an MRI [scan].
“My back is hurting me all the time. I’m going to get it checked out and see what the crack is. And if they can repair it, I might be able to do a bit more.
“I want to be able to go to the gym and lift a few weights. But at the minute, if I bend down, it’s killing me. It’s old age unfortunately! I’ve had my lenses done, got a new hip, I just need to get my back sorted. Everything else is working.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
