Next weekend the
World Seniors Darts Masters will take place in Sunderland.
Phil Taylor will be at the tournament as a commentator and
Glen Durrant will be playing himself.
Taylor was originally supposed to play as well, but had to pull out because of an injury. But still he is looking forward to darts returning to the North East. "It's great that darts is coming back to the North East. I love the North East. I’ve got some good friends up there and have family that live in Newcastle.
"The fans always turn out in their droves in the North East and they enjoy themselves and make it a good atmosphere. I just hope the players perform well enough for the people who are paying to watch!"
Great initiative
Durrant is looking forward to returning to action. "I'm delighted to see a big tournament for the Seniors is coming to the North East and hopefully the crowds turn up and really enjoy it. I think we've got the best fans in the world.
"I've been shouting from the rooftops to get competitions in the North East, so for people reading this, get yourselves to the venue, come and cheer us on because the sport is not as good without a good crowd behind you. Come on Sunderland, come out in force!"
"All the other players are really jealous of the North East. The North East has been a hotbed of darts for a long time. I know there is Geordies, Mackems and Smoggies, but I tell you what, as a North East player, you felt like we were all one family. The likes of Chris Dobey, Ryan Joyce and Callan Rydz are doing brilliantly for the area right now."
Taylor also praises the Tour for seniors. "Some of the older players are coming to retirement age now and I think you'll see an influx of a few more household names which will help the Seniors."
Mode Super Series
Durrant, a three-time world champion with the BDO and also a former Premier League Darts winner, mostly comments these days. He started at the Modus Super Series back then. "I feel like I learnt all my mistakes there. If I had gone straight to Sky, I wouldn't have lasted five minutes, so the Modus Super Series, I owe them an awful lot.
"Someone said to me, 'just pretend you're down the pub and you're trying to analyse the game you're watching' and I think that was the best advice I ever got. I haven't got the big words, I haven't got the greatest voice in a sense, I just try to be me, and I absolutely love it!"
Taylor as commentator
Taylor confirmed that he will be commentating the tournament and that he would like to start commentating once he retires. "I'm looking forward to it, depending on what games they give me! If they want younger people (in the future) that's fine. I'm not too worried about it. But I wouldn't want to be away from home week in week out like I used to be."
"With my experience I can sometimes tell what pressure they're under and what they're thinking at that particular time. Sometimes you can just tell they're not going to hit the double."
