Phil Taylor was scheduled to play in the World Seniors Darts Tour Matchplay in York this weekend but due to ‘medical advice’ he has been forced to withdraw from the tournament.
In his professional career, Phil Taylor was dominant at the PDC World Matchplay winning it a record 16 times.
He was so renowned for this tournament that following his retirement in 2018 the winner of the World Matchplay receives the ‘Phil Taylor Trophy’ in honour of the darting great.
The World Seniors Darts Tour are holding their own version of the triple crown event with the WSDT Matchplay taking place at The Barbican in York and Phil Taylor was scheduled to compete, drawing John Henderson in the first round.
There is already some hype surrounding this tournament as it will be broadcast on TNT Sport and features a list of top players including:
- Richie Howson
- Trina Gulliver
- Chris Mason
- Kevin Painter
- John Part
- Rob Thornton
- Martin Adams
- Leanord Gates
- Phil Taylor
Unfortunately, the week of the Matchplay Phil Taylor and the WSDT have confirmed that ‘The Power’ will no longer be available for this tournament.
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The WSDT released a statement on social media to confirm the news, it reads:
Phil Taylor has been forced to withdraw from this weekend’s BetGoodwin World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) Matchplay in York on medical advice.
The 16-times World Champion and 16-times PDC World Matchplay Champion has been experiencing discomfort in the last few weeks following a hip operation, and has decided to follow advice to step back in a playing capacity for this weekend’s tournament.
‘The Power’ will still be at The Barbican though as part of the broadcast team, with the WSDT being shown live on TNT Sports, and his experience and input will be invaluable and essential viewing for the television audience.
Taylor’s place in York will be taken by three-time Lakeside World Championship finalist Tony O’Shea, who missed out in playing at the 2024 World Seniors World Darts Championship at late notice due to a hand injury, and ‘Silverback’ will now take on reigning WSDT World Champion John Henderson in round one on Friday evening.
“Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the WSDT Seniors World Matchplay”, said Taylor.
“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”.
“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!”.
This is a blow for the competition as you can’t get a larger name involved (except maybe Luke Littler currently) but to have him working with the broadcast team and still at the event for the fans is a good compromise considering his situation.
Phil Taylor has been forced to withdraw from this weekend's BetGoodwin World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) Matchplay in York on medical advice.
— World Seniors Darts (@SeniorsDarts) September 30, 2024
The 16-times World Champion and 16-times PDC World Matchplay Champion has been experiencing discomfort in the last few weeks following a… pic.twitter.com/SSxRVnq1oz
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