Phil Taylor ‘throws first dart in months’ after undergoing hip operation

Phil Taylor threw his first dart in months after undergoing hip surgery (Image: PA)

icon is back to throwing darts for the first time in months following a successful hip surgery that has put an end to his agonising pain. The 16-time world champion had to bow out of Seniors Darts last year due to severe hip discomfort, which he likened to “walking through broken glass” whenever he rose from a chair.

Now at 64, Taylor has not only undergone hip replacement but also laser-eye surgery, hinting at a potential return to the sport despite his retirement. Just days after Luke Littler’s triumph at Alexandra Palace, Taylor, hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, set up a dart board in his living room to ease back into the game.

In an interview with, ‘The Power’ expressed his determination to test his capabilities, stating: “I’m going to give it a go while the weather’s like this and see what happens,” and optimistically noted: “If I can, I can.”

Taylor’s retirement has been anything but idle, filled with managing his property investments, spending quality time with his grandchildren, and enjoying daily visits to his local supermarket, all of which could be further enriched by an astonishing comeback to the oche.

The darts great previously ruled out a return to competitive play, admitting to The Sun that his body can no longer handle the rigorous training demands. “It’s a matter of doing more exercise now, getting the blood circulating,” he explained.

“Competitive darts now has gone for me. The mind is willing, the body isn’t. I feel 18 inside my head. Let’s concentrate on getting healthy. It’s about dedication.

2018 William Hill PDC World Darts Championships

The 64-year-old retired from professional darts in 2018 (Image: Getty)

“If you want to be the best, you have to live that life, get up in the morning, get on the practice board for two to three hours a day. Not for me anymore. I’m nearly 65. I cannot do it now. It’s age really. My body wasn’t willing anymore.”

Taylor’s achievements speak for themselves as among the 214 professional tournaments he’s won, 85 of them have been major titles with 16 being world titles. He had his say on whether Littler can surpass his 16 titles during the interview, which he answered: “I think he’s got the capabilities to win 20. It’s entirely if he can stand the pace.”

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