Phil Taylor to slow down in 2015 with retirement planned in 'two or three years'
Last Updated: 23/10/14 6:48pm
Sixteen-time World Darts champion Phil Taylor has said he will 'slow down' in 2015, with retirement planned in 'two or three years' time.
Taylor is the most successful darts player in history, winning his first world title in 1990 and last in 2013, and the man nicknamed The Power told Sky Sports: "Obviously my years are coming to an end now and I’m on the latter end.
I’m going to give it another two or three years but I’m going to be slowing down next year – I’m not running up and down like I used to.
Phil Taylor
"I can’t keep going and years are getting closer and closer. I’m going to give it another two or three years but I’m going to be slowing down next year – I’m not running up and down like I used to."
The 54-year-old struggled for form this season and crashed out of last year's World Championships in the second round to little known Michael Smith.
"I wouldn’t say it’s been the hardest [year], I’ve had a few upsets obviously and changed sponsors," said Taylor.
"But I knew that would come right and I knew we’d get the darts right. I just couldn’t get on with the grip at the time. We altered a few things and it’s come together."
Sleep
Despite the drop in Taylor's titles this year, he goes in to next month's Grand Slam of Darts - shown live on Sky Sports - as defending champion.
Grand Slam of Darts
Live on Sky Sports from November 8-16
The 2013 event is remembered more for Taylor's epic semi-final clash with Adrian Lewis than for his victory over Robert Thornton in the final.
"I love the Grand Slam because it’s local for me," added the man from Stoke. "It’s only 40 minutes down the road so I can sleep in my bed at night. It makes such a difference to have your own pillows and your own mattress.
"[The game against Lewis] was the best game ever. I would definitely say that’s the best game we’ve ever seen on TV. I hope we see something similar this year and it’s the same result!"
Staying Power: A Year in My Life by Phil Taylor is published by Hodder and Stoughton
