Phil 'The Power' Taylor is set to return to competitive darts next year, four years after retiring, to compete in the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship for players aged over 50. The 61-year-old, who won 16 world titles, has accepted an invitation to play in the tournament, scheduled for February 2022.
At least 14 other former world champions, including Martin Adams, Andy Fordham, John Lowe, Bob Anderson, Richie Burnett, Keith Deller, Dennis Priestley, John Part and Les Wallace, have also been invited. The event, promoted by MODUS Darts and Jason Francis, aims to fill the void left by the collapse of the British Darts Organisation.
Taylor's last competitive match was a shock 7-2 defeat to Rob Cross in the 2018 PDC World Championship final. His planned retirement to the exhibition circuit was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The winner of the seniors championship will receive a minimum of £25,000, more than Wayne Warren earned for winning the last BDO world title.
Organisers are in advanced talks with venues in London and elsewhere, with sponsors and TV coverage being arranged. Two places will be awarded to winners of a qualifying tournament for amateur players over 50. However, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld are unlikely to participate due to their PDC contracts, which prohibit Tour card holders from playing under other organisations.
