Phil Taylor is set to retire from competitive darts at the end of the 2024 season (Image: AFP/Getty)
legend has sadly confirmed his withdrawal from the upcoming World Seniors Darts Tour Matchplay on medical advice, following a hip operation earlier this year. The 16-time world champion was set to thrill fans once more at the event scheduled for this weekend in York before he bows out of competitive darts at the end of 2024.
However, , the 64-year-old has stepped back as consultants strongly recommended against his participation in the imminent competition. Announcing the unfortunate update on Monday (September 30), ‘The Power’ Taylor has vowed to make every effort to recover in time for the World Seniors World Masters next month.
The tournament is slated to be the curtain-closer on his illustrious career. And Taylor shared his frustration at missing out as he said: “Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the WSDT Seniors World Matchplay.
“I have been leaving no stone unturned in preparation for York, but after having hip replacement surgery, I have been feeling pain in the last few weeks, and the consultants have advised against playing this weekend,” reports .
“I withdrew from playing in a weekend exhibition in Whitby to give myself every chance for the Matchplay, but I have to be sensible, and take the advice I have been given on board. Rest assured, I will be doing everything to be ready and fully fit for the WSDT Seniors World Masters in Sunderland in November.
“I’m really pleased to be still be coming to York, and I’m looking forward to working with the team at TNT Sports and WSDT over the weekend and meeting the fans. The WSDT work tirelessly to put these events on, and I’m more than happy to help in any way I can.
The 16-time world champion underwent hip surgery in June (Image: Getty)
“It promises to be a fantastic tournament, and there will be a fair few that will be glad I’m not going to be playing, as practice was going very well!” Although fans won’t have the chance to see ‘The Power’ perform, he’ll still be present at The Barbican as part of the broadcast team, with the tournament being aired live on TNT Sports.
When announcing his planned retirement back in 2023, Taylor said: “It’s been an unbelievable journey over the past 35 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ll always love performing to the best of my ability, but time waits for no man and I know now is the right time to step away from the Tour.”