BREAKING NEWS:Phil Taylor withdraws from the 2024 World Seniors Matchplay full details below
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BREAKING NEWS:Phil Taylor withdraws from the 2024 World Seniors Matchplay full details below
Phil Taylor withdraws from the 2024 World Seniors Matchplay
Jamie Shaw in World Seniors Darts 01 Oct 2024
Phil Taylor reacts (Photo by Chris Sargeant/WSDT/Tip Top Pics)
Phil Taylor has withdrawn from the 2024 BetGoodwin World Seniors Matchplay on medial advice.
The 16-time World Champion had been due to compete in his penultimate televised tournament at the York Barbican this weekend but has been forced to pull out after experiencing discomfort in recent weeks following a hip operation.
The 64-year-old will be replaced in the event by three-time BDO world finalist Tony O’Shea – who faces former World Cup of Darts winner John Henderson in Friday’s opening round.
The Power’s final farewell is now scheduled to be at the BetGoodwin World Seniors Masters in Sunderland from November 8-9.
Taylor, who has competed in all World Seniors majors since the inception of the WSDT in 2022, said: “Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the 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 be 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 will join the TNT Sports broadcast team throughout the event, which takes place from October 4-5 and features 16 players competing for glory.
The field includes multiple World Seniors major winner Leonard Gates, top seed Richie Howson and former World Champions John Part, Martin Adams, Lisa Ashton,
Trina Gulliver and Neil Duff.
