16-time World Champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor brings darts to Cheltenham Racecourse this evening as he stars in the Gibbs & Dandy Masters Darts Tournament.
Taylor, the greatest darts player of all-time, has come out of retirement for the event on 14 January, with James Wade, Martin Adams, Joe Cullen, Colin Monk and Bradley Brooks also on show.
The Power’s career achievements, spanning over three decades, are unparalleled, but victory on his return will be no easy feat.
Wade is a multiple major champion and the current world number four, Adams is a three-time World Champion, and Monk is a former World Master.
Cullen is one of the PDC’s brightest prospects and has won several titles, while Brooks is the 2020 World Youth Champion and 2021 Development Tour Champion.
Taylor will be using the event to prepare for the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship for over-50s next month.
According to Mirror Sport, at least 14 other former world champions, including Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams, Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham, John Lowe, Bob Anderson, Richie Burnett, Keith Deller, Dennis Priestley, John Part and Les Wallace are expected to take part.
But, the return of Taylor, whose last competitive match was the shock 7-2 defeat to Rob Cross in the 2018 PDC World Championship final, is by far the most highly-anticipated.
There is also the small matter of a minimum £25,000 to the championship winner, which the 61-year-old is a heavy favourite to take home (6/4 on William Hill). Sky Sports commentator John Part has been given long odds 66/1.
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