Phil Taylor, 66, to Come Out of Retirement for Darts Comeback

Darts legend Phil Taylor, 66, is set to make a competitive return to the sport, nearly a decade after his initial retirement. Taylor, a 16-time world champion, announced he will team up with long-time friend Adrian Lewis for the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament, scheduled to take place from November 23-28 in Portsmouth.

Taylor officially retired from the professional circuit in 2018, five years after securing his final world championship title. "I've been asked plenty of times about coming back, but it would have to be for the right reason," Taylor stated. "Adrian is one of the very few people I'd come out of retirement to play alongside, and the MODUS Super Series is the place I wanted to do it."

He added, "We've got a lot of history together, we know each other's games inside out, and I'm looking forward to getting back up there with him."

Taylor and Lewis have a successful history as a pair, having won the World Cup of Darts title together four consecutive times between 2012 and 2016. Taylor's last competitive match was the 2018 World Championship final, where he lost to Rob Cross, before transitioning to the senior circuit. A hip injury sustained two years ago had previously impacted his participation in that competition.

Lewis, 41, who was mentored by Taylor in his younger years, has not competed professionally on the Pro Tour since 2023. Despite their periods of inactivity, the pair are hopeful that their established partnership will prove advantageous.

Reflecting on reuniting with Taylor, Lewis commented, "Phil and I have shared some brilliant moments playing together over the years, so to get the chance to do it again is really special. We know what it takes to win as a pair and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together."