Friday 17 February 2017 13:26, UK
Phil Taylor has likened his rivalry with Raymond van Barneveld to that of former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane and ex-Liverpool player Jason McAteer.
Taylor's 26th Premier League meeting with Van Barneveld in Leeds on Thursday night marked the beginning of the end of arguably the sport's greatest rivalry.
The contest lived up to the billing as the pair enjoyed an entertaining tussle, although it was the 56-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent who maintained an unbeaten start to the new Premier League season with a 7-4 win at the First Direct Arena.
Taylor has picked up over 50 wins against the Dutchman since their first meeting back in 1990, which has long been regarded as a friendly duel, unlike that of Keane and his former Republic of Ireland team-mate McAteer, who has a long-standing feud with Keane following his bitter walk-out from the 2002 World Cup.
The pair fell out when McAteer criticised the then Irish captain's infamous exit from Mick McCarthy's squad in South Korea while clashing on several occasions during their playing days.
"Me and Raymond have had the best rivalry there's ever been, well, as much as any sport," Taylor told Sky Sports. "You've had Roy Keane against Jason McAteer, me against Barney and John Lowe with Eric Bristow."
Five-time world champion Van Barneveld was full of praise for his old foe in Yorkshire, saying Taylor "put darts on the map for ages, with averages of 110 for breakfast."
"He is the best ever," said Van Barneveld. "Every single moment in my career he was always there and from next year we will surely miss him.
"Everytime he's there and I know what it means to be a part of it. The amount of travelling and then family, so don't forget that because this guy is dedicated to the sport.
"It costs because it will take its toll. To play this man every single time every week or every month, it's incredible. Don't get me wrong, I'll be happy when he quits darts, but when he retires it means I will get the number nine position in the world.
"I'm proud to play this man for many, many years. This man put darts on the map for so many years."
You can see all the action from The Brighton Centre from 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD next Thursday. Grab a NOW TV Sky Sports Day Pass and watch Premier League Darts from Leeds on Thursday night for just £6.99. No contract.
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