Phil Taylor, 64, officially confirms his retirement from darts in interview as he says ‘my body is 90’ after injury woes

PHIL TAYLOR has confirmed he is retiring from professional darts.

The darts legend, 64, pulled out of the World Seniors Masters due to complications following hip surgery.

AFPPhil Taylor has announced his retirement from darts[/caption]

Taylor was forced to pull out of the World Senior Series with a hip problemRex

The Power is the most successful darts player of all timeNews Group Newspapers Ltd

Having won more titles than any other player during his pro career, Taylor was set to step away from the oche following the tournament.

Taylor retired from pro darts in 2018 with 14 World Championships to his name between 1995 and 2012, 16 World Matchplay and 11 World Grand Prix titles.

The Power originally retired in 2018 as he felt he could no longer compete with the likes of Michael van Gerwen or Luke Humphries.

He then made his return to competitive darts four years later in the senior series.

Taylor had hoped to sign off his career once and for all with the World Seniors Masters, but could not compete due to a hip problem after he underwent surgery in the summer.

And speaking on talkSPORT, he has now confirmed his decision.

He said: “I’m retired now, properly retired. I’m just going to do some personal appearances like yourself (Ally McCoist).

“How do I know? My eyes started going a few years ago then my hip went and then the travelling. You’re away from home four -five days a week and it’s good for money but it’s not good for your family.

“My mind is still in my teens but my body is 90.

“How did I keep going? If I won a players championship that paid for the food bills. Every tournament was about paying the bills.

“Has there been a better marketed sport in last decade? They don’t have a little bit of fun they have a lot of fun. It’s fantastic.”

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He previously admitted: “I’m struggling a bit with my hip. Scar tissue.

“Everything was going fine, but then I just did a little too much and apparently I’ve torn my scar tissue. So yeah, it’s a bit painful.

“It’s been the worst pain I’ve ever had these last twelve months. Honestly, I’ll be glad when this year is gone.

“Practicing, I’ve been okay, but when you’ve been playing for a few hours there’s this really bad pain in the hip. It’s like having toothache and it drives me crazy, it really does.”

More to follow.

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