Introduction
The world of darts was left in shock as 16-time world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor suffered a surprise first-round defeat in his final appearance at the World Senior Darts Championship. Taylor was beaten 3-2 by Germany’s Manfred Bilderl at the iconic Circus Tavern, marking a disappointing end to his legacy at the venue where he achieved so many career highlights.
Taylor’s Farewell Tournament
Despite firing three maximums and posting an average of 83.02, Taylor struggled with his finishing during the tournament. The 63-year-old darts legend battled back from two sets down to level the match at 2-2, but Bilderl eventually prevailed in the decider.
It was a disappointing end for Taylor, who had reached the final in all 14 of the PDC World Darts Championship finals held at the Circus Tavern, winning 11 of them. However, during his first-round exit, Taylor converted just eight of his 33 attempts at double.
Bilderl’s Triumph
Manfred Bilderl’s victory over Taylor was undoubtedly the most high-profile win of his career. The German darts player took advantage of Taylor’s missed opportunities and showed great composure to secure the victory. Bilderl will now face Chris Mason in the second round of the World Senior Darts Championship.
The Legacy of ‘The Power’
Phil Taylor’s impact on the world of darts cannot be overstated. With 16 world titles to his name, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players of all time. The Circus Tavern holds a special place in Taylor’s heart, as it was the venue where he achieved so much success. His record of reaching the final in all 14 PDC World Darts Championship finals held at the venue is a testament to his dominance in the sport.
Taylor’s Retirement from the World Senior Darts Tour
The World Senior Darts Championship marked the end of an era for Phil Taylor. The darts legend announced that 2024 would be his final year on the seniors circuit, choosing to retire from the World Senior Darts Tour. While his final tournament did not go as planned, Taylor’s legacy will forever be remembered in the world of darts.
The Road Ahead for Taylor
With his retirement from the World Senior Darts Tour, Phil Taylor will now have more time to reflect on his illustrious career and explore new opportunities. As one of the most successful darts players in history, Taylor’s expertise and knowledge of the game will continue to be highly sought after.
Other Results from the World Senior Darts Championship
While Taylor’s early exit dominated the headlines, there were other notable results from the World Senior Darts Championship. Chris Mason advanced to the second round with a 3-1 victory over Daryl Fitton, while Richie Burnett also won his first-round match against Keith Deller by the same scoreline. Martin Adams and Kevin Painter also secured their places in the next round.
The Second Round and Beyond
The World Senior Darts Championship is set to continue with the second round taking place on Saturday. The quarter-finals will be held on Sunday afternoon, followed by the semi-finals and final later in the evening. Fans can expect more thrilling matches and surprises as the tournament progresses.
Stay Updated with the Latest Darts News
For fans who want to stay up to date with the latest darts news, there are various sources to turn to. From live scores and commentary to highlights and analysis, there are numerous platforms that provide comprehensive coverage of the world of darts.
