Before the start of the 2025 edition of Premier League Darts, Phil Taylor had tipped his former rival Michael van Gerwen as the winner. But he now seems to be going back on that.
Living legend Phil Taylor holds many darts records, but not the most overall wins in Premier League Darts. After all, that record, with seven overall wins, is held by Michael van Gerwen. "I actually tipped Michael to win it earlier because his form appeared to be enjoying a bit of an upsurge," Taylor says in quotes collected by Sun Sport. "But I know exactly why he’s finding it harder to win tournaments now. When you are younger, you don’t fear anybody - you went up there, you never thought about it, you were free as a bird and you just did it."
“I used to stand behind Michael when I was playing against him and think, ‘How have you just done that?’ He was brilliant, out of this world," continues The Power. “But now he’s getting older and he’s thinking about it - whether it’s changing his darts, tinkering with his throwing action or whatever."
Michael van Gerwen hasn't won a major in a while
Michael van Gerwen hasn't won a major in a while
Taylor added: "Some of the players have told me, ‘We don’t fear him any more - Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are above him in the rankings now, they are calling the shots'. It’s a bit like playing Manchester United at Old Trafford - opposition teams used to line up in the tunnel and know they were getting beat before a ball was kicked, but now the fear factor has gone."
Yet Taylor is still full of praise for the 35-year-old Dutchman. "Michael is still a fantastic player, one of the best, but players have worked out how to beat him," he concludes. “It’s not just about ability - it’s about equipment, shoes, your shirt. You’ve got to get everything right - live a boring life and dedicate yourself to winning like a tennis player or cricketer or a top footballer.”
WIN A SIGNED PREMIER LEAGUE PROGRAMME 📖
Play our FREE PDC Predictor game for your chance to win a signed programme - as well as Luke Humphries Avenger Darts!
Simply predict the outcomes of the opening four Premier League games in Nottingham!
📷https://t.co/qVsIJFeMPv pic.twitter.com/HzAN4PiPlV
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 12, 2025