"People say: 'come on Phil, you're better than this.' It's heart-breaking" - Phil Taylor admits he's welcoming retirement as injuries take toll

The chances to see Phil Taylor playing darts on the big stage are running out. After 'The Power' was forced to pull out of the upcoming World Seniors Darts Matchplay, just one tournament remains before final retirement for the greatest of all time.

The 16-time world champion has suffered discomfort in recent weeks following hip surgery and has decided to honour the advice of medical professionals and not play in York later this month. Taylor's place in York will be taken by three-time Lakeside finalist Tony O'Shea, who had to cancel the World Seniors Darts Championship just in February because of a hand injury. 'Silverback' will take on reigning senior world champion John Henderson in the first round.

"I'm struggling a bit with my hip. Scar tissue," Taylor admits in conversation with Online Darts, reflecting on his recent hip surgery. "Everything was going fine, but then I just did a little too much and apparently I've torn my scar tissue. So yeah, it's a bit painful."

Although Taylor dominated the sport of darts for over 20 years, since retiring from the Pro Tour and moving into Seniors Darts, 'The Power' is yet to lift a trophy. Although he's not the force he once was, this drop off does also have something to do with his hip problems over recent years. "It's been the worst pain I've ever had these last twelve months. Honestly, I'll be glad when this year is gone," he reveals. "Practicing, I've been okay, but when you've been playing for a few hours there's this really bad pain in the hip. It's like having toothache and it drives me crazy, it really does."

"It's heart breaking to be honest. That's the worst part. You've got people saying: 'come on Phil, you're better than this.' I know I'm better than this," Taylor continues. "But you can't turn right. It's like getting your foot in the right position and turning your back but then having someone stab a knife in your back or an electric shock. It's ever such a weird feeling."

As mentioned though, Taylor's playing days are nearly over. Aside from the odd appearance on the exhibition circuit, the greatest dart player of all time has just the one TV tournament left on the World Senior Darts Tour, following his recently announced withdrawal from the upcoming Seniors Matchplay in York. "In a way, it's a relief if I'm honest," Taylor assesses. "I'll miss it, of course I will, but when you're in your 60s it's a lot more difficult."

"The desire is still there. Mental wise I'm 100%. It's just body wise. Age is a horrible thing honestly, when you're just in pain everyday," Taylor concludes. "I couldn't do it, I just couldn't carry on anymore, you know what I mean? It was too hard for me. So, yeah, it breaks your heart, don't get me wrong, but it's time."

Notably though, for those watching the Seniors Matchplay, Taylor will still be on your TV screens as part of the team of commentators on British broadcaster TNT Sports.