In 2017, darts legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor announced his retirement, marking the end of an unparalleled career. His final year saw a mix of emotional goodbyes and incredible performances, most notably securing an astonishing 16th World Matchplay title. He concluded his journey by reaching the final of the 2018 World Darts Championship, ultimately losing to rising star Rob Cross, a fitting end to the career of the sport’s greatest icon.
The Unstoppable March of Time: Taylor’s Retirement Announcement
Even the greatest legends eventually face an opponent no one can defeat: time itself. For Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, the most dominant player in darts history, that moment arrived on January 27, 2017. Ahead of the 2017 World Masters, Taylor made the monumental announcement that he would be retiring from professional darts at the end of the year.
This decision meant his 5-3 quarter-final loss to Raymond van Barneveld at the 2017 World Darts Championship would not be his last appearance on that grand stage. Instead, he committed to one final showing at the sport’s pinnacle event: the 2018 World Darts Championship. At the time of his announcement, Taylor stood at sixth place in the world rankings, amidst a period often referred to as ‘Dutch dominance’ with players like Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld at the peak of their powers.
A Strong Start: The 2017 World Masters
The retirement announcement sent ripples through the darts world, leaving fans to wonder what the sport would look like without its iconic figure. However, attention quickly turned to Taylor’s final appearances, beginning with the 2017 World Masters.
Taylor showed flashes of his legendary form:
- First Round: A commanding performance against future world champion Michael Smith, securing a 10-6 victory with an impressive 104.80 average.
- Second Round: He continued his strong run, defeating Peter Wright – a rising star at the time – 10-5, again averaging over a ton.
- Semi-Final: His journey ended against two-time world champion Gary Anderson. Taylor’s 98.03 average wasn’t quite enough to overcome Anderson’s 102.12, resulting in an 11-9 loss. Despite the defeat, Taylor proved he was still a formidable force.
Premier League Darts: A Heartbreaking Near Miss
Taylor made his 13th and final appearance in the prestigious Premier League of Darts, a tournament he had won six times previously. He finished third in the league phase, setting up a semi-final clash against Peter Wright at London’s O2 Arena.
In a truly dramatic encounter, Taylor found himself in an early 4-0 deficit. While he valiantly fought back to take a 7-6 lead, a series of missed doubles, including a crucial match dart, ultimately cost him the game. Peter Wright capitalized on the opportunity, securing a narrow 10-9 victory and bringing Taylor’s legendary Premier League career to a close.
The Unforgettable World Matchplay: A Legacy Cemented
The Winter Gardens in Blackpool held a special place in Taylor’s heart, a venue he often described as his favourite. It was here, in 2017, that he would write one of the most remarkable chapters of his farewell tour, cementing his legacy even further.
His performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of sensational:
- First Round: A comfortable 10-5 win against Gerwyn Price.
- Second Round: A dominant display against long-time rival Raymond van Barneveld, securing an 11-3 demolition with a 102.27 average.
- Quarter-Final: A highly anticipated clash with world number one Michael van Gerwen. Despite both players averaging over 101, Taylor’s clinical finishing saw him run away with the match, winning an incredible 16-6.
- Semi-Final: Facing his protégé and fellow England teammate Adrian Lewis, Taylor continued his sublime form, averaging 102.74 in a convincing 17-9 victory to reach the final one last time.
The final was a rematch against Peter Wright, offering Taylor a chance to avenge his Premier League defeat. And he did so in spectacular fashion. Taylor delivered a performance for the ages, averaging 104.24 in an 18-8 triumph. This victory secured his 16th World Matchplay title, a record that is highly unlikely ever to be broken, and marked his final major title in an illustrious career.
Other Engagements: A Selective Schedule
As part of his retirement plan, Taylor scaled back his televised event appearances. He did not participate in the 2017 UK Open or the World Grand Prix, with his last appearances in those events having been in 2016. However, he did make a significant mark on the World Series of Darts circuit.
Taylor capped off his World Series career with one final event title, winning the inaugural Melbourne Darts Masters. He once again defeated Peter Wright in the final, this time with an 11-8 scoreline, showcasing his enduring talent on the global stage.
The Grand Finale: 2018 World Darts Championship
The stage was set for Phil Taylor’s final professional event: the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship. This appearance marked his 29th consecutive World Championship, a record that solidified his place in history.
Despite not being the favourite, Taylor embarked on a remarkable run:
- First Round: A solid 3-1 victory against Chris Dobey.
- Second Round: A dominant 4-0 straight sets win over Justin Pipe, averaging just under a ton.
- Third Round: Another flawless performance, defeating Keegan Brown 4-0 in straight sets with a 101.34 average.
- Quarter-Final: A classic rivalry renewed against Gary Anderson. Taylor rose to the occasion, winning 5-3 with a 102.02 average.
- Semi-Final: He faced the surprise package of the tournament, Jamie Lewis, who had made a historic run from the preliminary rounds. Despite Lewis taking the first set, Taylor asserted his dominance, winning six straight sets for a 6-1 victory and a place in his final World Championship final.
The Final Bow: Taylor vs. Cross
In the ultimate showdown, Phil Taylor faced Rob Cross, a player who had made an astonishing debut, reaching the final in his very first World Championship appearance. It was a symbolic clash: the end of an era against the dawn of a new one.
Despite Taylor averaging a respectable 102.26 across nine sets, it wasn’t enough to secure a fairytale 17th world title. Rob Cross, just 11 months after becoming a professional darts player, delivered a sensational performance, averaging 107.67 in a 7-2 victory to claim his maiden world championship.
An End and a Beginning
As Rob Cross lifted the trophy, a new chapter in darts began. For Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, the most decorated player ever to step onto an oche, his incredible career had come to an end. His final year was a testament to his enduring talent, spirit, and the sheer power of a true sporting legend.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
