Saturday 16 December 2017 11:57, UK
After beginning his final World Darts Championship with a first-round victory, Phil Taylor admitted the end of his legendary career has left him feeling bitter.
The Power was roared to the Alexandra Palace stage on Friday night and the emotion was obvious to anyone in the building and watching on TV as he prepared for what could have been his last match as a professional.
Despite claiming the World Matchplay crown in Blackpool and proving himself still a major threat, Taylor's final months on the circuit have seen him embroiled in various verbal jousting contests as he looks to assert himself with his tungsten powers on the wane.
Speaking to the PDC in his only post-match interview, Taylor admitted reality setting in has been behind his behaviour.
"It's gone, the fire's gone. I want to win, I've still got the fire in the belly to win, it's just the old utensils are not working as good as they used to.
"It's awful, it's killing me and you know by my interviews, I have been very critical of certain players, sometimes justified maybe sometimes not.
"I've been a little bit bitter and I'm gutted that I can't play what I can, and that's what's killing me really. I'm really trying so hard and I can't do what I used to do. So I've got to shut up now."
The 57-year-old accused Daryl Gurney of lacking respect in bizarre pre and post-match interviews at the Grand Slam of Darts while even his spectacular success at the Matchplay was tinged with angry outbursts
Before the tournament, Taylor had given only a couple of interviews, including to Sky Sports Darts for a documentary which is currently showing on the channel, insisting his focus was on his swansong and his interview on Friday night was a candid admission.
With his second-round match scheduled for the night before the three-day Christmas break, another emotional night could be in store for the Power, who handed Dobey the match board.
"I haven't practised that much for it to be honest with you, I haven't had a lot of time; I've been playing, doing exhibition work and a few charity events and I've loved it, and I've been classing that as my practice, he added.
"I lacked a bit of energy against Chris, I slacked a little bit and it's not me, I'm tired.
"I never used to be like that before, I could win a tournament and then play another tournament, it's strange. I've got a few days off now to get ready for the next one."
Taylor's last stand was always threatening to be the overriding factor of this year's tournament and his admission and frank assessment of where he is at only make his final fortnight in the spotlight even more compelling.
The 2018 World Championship from Alexandra Palace continues on Saturday with the first of the tournament's double sessions - coverage underway on Sky Sports Darts from 12.30pm and 7pm.
Keep up to date with the news as the PDC celebrates 25 years on Sky Sports. So get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts - don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts.
