Wright wishes Taylor had not retired and admits 'The Power' was a tougher opponent then Van Gerwen

Peter Wright has spoke about the state of darts and has admitted that there are no great players left now that Phil Taylor has retired.

Wright was beaten by Taylor in last year’s World Matchplay final and he has said that Michael van Gerwen is not as good as Taylor. He has gone onto say that he only gave ‘The Power’ his full focus which is the reason why he loses to other players. “Yes there are some other good players in this tournament but there's no great players.” said Wright to Live Darts. "Phil is the only player I gave 150 per cent focus for what he gave darts and the respect I gave to him on the oche. "I don't give anyone else that and I should do. That’s why I lose a lot of matches. "That's because I always concentrate more against Phil because he is a legend and the hardest player to beat in the world. "He was a much tougher opponent than Michael van Gerwen, easily. "I wish Phil would come back, I don’t know why he gave up but he has his own reasons, bless him for that. He'd be number two in the world if he decided to go to every tournament.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC