Phil Taylor has been forced to withdraw from the World Seniors Darts Tour Matchplay this weekend after experiencing discomfort following a hip operation.Phil Taylor will miss out on competing in the World Seniors Darts Tour Matchplay after pulling out of the tournament on medical grounds.
The 16-time world champion was set to participate in the competition this weekend in York ahead of his retirement from competitive darts at the end of 2024.
However, after experiencing discomfort in the past few weeks following a hip operation in June, the 64-year-old has been to forced to pull out after consultants advised the sporting icon against taking part.
Taylor announced the disappointing news on Monday (September 30) in a statement where he pledged to do everything he can to get physically ready for the World Seniors World Masters next month. The tournament is set to be the final competitive appearance of his career.
Taylor 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.
“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.
Phil Taylor is the most decorated player in darts history, winning 85 major titles
“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!”
While fans won’t be able to watch ‘The Power’ in action, he’ll still be present at The Barbican as part of the broadcast team with the tournament being shown live on TNT Sports.
