No one has dominated darts like Phil Taylor, and no one probably ever will again.
The Power claimed an astonishing 16 world titles during his illustrious career, which he brought to a close in early 2018, only for him to return to the tournament stage earlier this year in the World Seniors Championship.
In his prime, few could lay a glove on Taylor, who was virtually unbeatable at times. Nowadays it is more competitive, with no single player dominating. Half of the current Premier League line-up have PDC world titles to their name. Taylor concedes he is not as clued up on the current game, but still watches regularly, and is a fan of many of the top players.
“I enjoy most of the games, it’s a bit of a mix and match,” he told Online Darts TV at the end of last year. “I enjoy watching anyone play darts. Gerwyn Price I’ve enjoyed watching, Peter Wright I’ve enjoyed watching, I’ve always enjoyed watching Gary [Anderson].
“Chizzy [Dave Chisnall] makes me laugh because you never know what Chizzy is turning up and if you take him for granted, the next thing you know you’re 5-0 down. Dave’s one of the those players who can play the first round absolutely brilliantly, the second round absolutely brilliantly, third round not so good, then fourth round he can play like a world champion.”
Taylor feels respect for the top players from the up-and-coming youngster has changed over the years, with ultra-professionalism making players more fearless.
Do you think Phil Taylor should have come out of retirement? Have your say in the comments section below
“When I started, you had a lot of respect, when John [Lowe] walked in the room, when Eric [Bristow] walked in the room, when Jocky [Wilson] walked in the room,” he recalled.
“Then our generation, the next generation, it was a little bit ‘we’re not really that bothered’. Then the next generation was different again. [Their attitude was] ‘It doesn’t matter how many world champions you’ve won, you’ve got to beat me now’. I’m not saying they’re disrespectful, but more confident, because they’re practicing.
“They’re throwing that fast I can’t keep up with the scoring sometimes! You can tell they’re fanatical practisers – and that’s the only way you’re going to improve, by getting on that darts board and practising.”
After reaching the quarter-finals in his comeback tournament, losing to old rival Kevin Painter, Taylor will be part of the field at the World Seniors Master at the Lakeside from May 27 to May 29.
Source: Read Full Article
