Phil Taylor could make darts comeback in 2020 – but would have to qualify among pub players

Taylor retired two years ago after losing the final of the PDC World Championships to Rob Cross

Adam Hamdani
Thursday 02 January 2020 17:09 GMT
Comments
Phil Taylor could yet make a comeback
Phil Taylor could yet make a comeback (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Phil Taylor has hinted he might make an extraordinary comeback to professional darts in 2020 – but has been warned by the PDC he will have to qualify alongside pub players.

Taylor, 59, retired two years ago after losing the final of the PDC World Championships to Rob Cross.

He has since hinted he could make a return to the sport in 2020 but PDC chairman Barry Hearn has warned he would have to qualify for his place on the tour through a UK Open qualifier at Rileys Sports Bar in Minehead.

Hearn told The Sun: “I spoke with Phil a few weeks ago. He was thinking about, ‘Shall I play the UK Open by entering a Rileys qualifier?’

“He phoned me and said, ‘What do you feel about it?’. I said, ‘Look, you aren’t subject to the player’s contract any more. You’re entitled to do what you like’.”

But Hearn added he feels as though Taylor could well make a comeback.

Hearn added: “Phil is enjoying himself.

“But part of him misses that competitive element he doesn’t get doing exhibitions.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in