Phil Taylor has provided an update after he was forced to withdraw from the World Senior Darts Tour Matchplay in York this weekend.
The man with 16 world darts championship titles to his name was supposed to be among the field for the latest event on the WSDT.
The Barbican Centre will be the venue for the event as Leonard Gates goes in search of another Matchplay title after his success last year.
Taylor will still be at the event doing some work in a media capacity but he’s been advised not to play on medical grounds.
His place will be given to three-time Lakeside World Championship finalist Tony O’Shea who steps off the standby list to replace Taylor.
He will now face John Henderson on Friday night in round one of the competition.
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Phil Taylor reacts after withdrawing from WSDT Matchplay
It won’t be good news to anyone who had tickets for the session on Friday night to see Taylor in action that he’s been forced to withdraw.
Darts purists will descend on York to see some legends of the game in action and The Power will be sorely missed.
After the decision to withdraw came to light, some comments from Taylor were posted on X by the official account of the WSDT.
The serial world champion said: “Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the WSDT Seniors World Matchplay”
“I have been leaving no stone unturned in preparation for York, but after having hip replacement surgery, I have been feeling pain in the last few weeks, and the consultants have advised against playing this weekend.
“I withdrew from playing in a weekend exhibition in Whitby to give myself every chance for the Matchplay, but I have to be sensible, and take the advice I have been given on board.
“Rest assured, I will be doing everything to be ready and fully fit for the WSDT Seniors World Masters in Sunderland in November.
“I’m really pleased to be still coming to York, and I’m looking forward to working with the team at TNT Sports and WSDT over the weekend and meeting the fans. The WSDT work tirelessly to put these events on, and I’m more than happy to help in any way I can.
“It promises to be a fantastic tournament, and there will be a fair few that will be glad I’m not going to be playing, as practice was going very well!”
Taylor absence is blow for WSDT Matchplay event
Henderson would have provided the former world champion with a stern test but he must be glad to see him withdraw from the event.
The Scottish star isn’t long off the PDC tour and he will fancy going deep at this particular event now.
Taylor not being involved is a big blow for the WSDT as they look to establish themselves and get people interested in watching their events.
Still, it’s good news that he’s well enough to take part in punditry for TNT Sports and hopefully, he can make future events.
Taylor is still box office when he’s on the oche and it will be great to see him throwing arrows again very soon.