Darts icon Phil Taylor issues health update after undergoing operation | Other | Sport

Darts legend Phil Taylor has said he’s on the mend after having surgery. The Power, 63, who quit professional darts in 2018, has been battling with arthritis in his hip.

It’s affected his performances on the World Seniors Darts Tour, including a shock first-round exit at the World Championship in February. Despite being set to retire for good at the end of this year, Taylor is determined not to bow out quietly and underwent an operation in June to address his health woes.

The 16-time world champ is keen to leave the stage with a bang rather than a whimper. And he offered an update to his fans over the weekend to reassure them of his impending return, reports the Mirror.

Taking to social media, Taylor said in a video: “Hi everybody, Phil the Power. Just to let you know I’ve had my operation, everything’s fine because a lot of people have been asking me about it. I’m off my crutches now which is great.

“It’s been three weeks on Monday. So another three weeks and I’ll be on the practice board getting ready for the seniors. Hopefully now everything will be back to normal, that’s the plan. See you soon, keep well, stay safe.”

Fans can look forward to seeing Taylor back in action at the World Seniors Matchplay this October at York’s Barbican, where he aims to make amends for his 2022 loss in the final to Robert Thornton by a narrow 12-10 margin.

He’s also set to make an appearance at the World Seniors Darts Masters held this November at the Rainton Arena in Sunderland before he officially hangs up his darts.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey over the past 35 years and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Taylor said when announcing his second retirement last year. “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. I’m going to be working just as hard as I always have to make sure I give the fans what they want and go out on top.”