16-time World Champion Phil Taylor officially retires from playing darts including exhibitions

Phil Taylor will no longer be playing darts of any kind, he has confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. The 16-time World Champion was noted as being on posters for exhibitions this past weekend including Armageddon in Leicester but didn't play any part.

He was due to take on Bradley Coltman in Leicester but promoter Matt Ward came to the stage to confirm he doesn't throw anymore. So Ricky Evans was brought onto stage to face him.

Taylor then had Q&A's on stage during the rest of the weekend in Norwich but he has now confirmed on his social media and website that he is now longer playing. He stated that he wanted to clarify so that people didn't come to exhibitions or events expecting him to still play and be disappointed.

With a hip injury and subsequent surgery, Taylor called time on playing in the World Seniors last year. He was due to play one final time at the World Seniors Darts Matchplay but he had to withdraw on medical grounds.

He said before going under the knife later that year that the hip pain made it impossible to continue playing and it seems with his surgery that he has made the choice not to play again.

"After a long and fantastic career over the last 40 years, I announce that from today I am retiring from playing darts. It has been a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and passionate community," he wrote on his website.

"I would like to thank each and everyone for your support through this incredible journey. Your encouragement and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind my success. A journey which has enabled me to achieve more than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful for the friendships I’ve formed and the experiences I’ve shared.

"As one chapter closes, another one opens. This transition opens up new opportunities for me to explore and engage with the sport in different ways."