Phil Taylor predicts resurrection of Peter Wright: "The two Luke’s are going to have a tough year this year”

Darting legend Phil Taylor has voiced his support for former rival Peter Wright, predicting the Scot will bounce back from his recent difficulties to once again become a formidable force within the PDC.

'Snakebite' had a difficult 2024, in which he was eliminated four times in the first round of a television tournament and finished dead last in the Premier League Darts standings with only two wins from 18 matches. Yet there were signs of recovery at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. The two-time former world champion fought his way to the quarterfinals and impressed with a phenomenal performance as he eliminated the reigning world champion Luke Humphries in the fourth round.

Taylor and Wright shared an intense rivalry for many years. 'The Power' won 22 of their mutual encounters, while Wright prevailed 11 times. Despite this negative balance, Wright was disappointed when the 16-time world champion decided to quit professional darts in 2018. Speaking with the MODUS Super Series organization, Taylor explained why Wright's reaction to his retirement now could cause problems for big names like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.

“I don’t think he (Wright) wanted me to retire because he always wanted someone to aim at," explains 'The Power'. “Peter loves if somebody is playing better, like Luke Littler at the minute, or Luke Humphries. That will inspire Peter and it will also inspire Michael van Gerwen as well."

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Taylor believes Wright could pose a major threat to top darters next year. "I predict he’s going to be a nightmare for these players next year. When he gets the hump and he gets on that practice board, he’s brilliant," insists the 64-year-old. “So I think the two Luke’s are going to have a tough year this year.” 

Whether Wright can actually regain his top form remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Taylor will continue to follow the sport avidly, even in retirement. A big reason is the rise of teenage sensation Littler and his growing rivalry with Humphries. Taylor has previously admitted that his interest in darts had waned somewhat since the end of his own glory days, but that the battle between these two talents rekindled his passion. It led to the English darts legend switching on more often to follow darts again.

“It’s made me watch darts again. I’d gone off darts a little bit. I was watching the same players I played with for ten years," Taylor says honestly. “So I went off it a little bit, then the Luke’s have come through. It’s made it exciting for me. Then you’ve got a few new faces who are playing really, really well from different countries.” 

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Phil Taylor

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