Phil Taylor has been forced to withdraw from this weekend’s BetGoodwin World Seniors Darts Tour (WSDT) Matchplay in York on medical advice.

The 16-times World Champion and 16-times PDC World Matchplay Champion has been experiencing discomfort in the last few weeks following a hip operation, and has decided to follow advice to step back in a playing capacity for this weekend’s tournament.

‘The Power’ will still be at The Barbican though as part of the broadcast team, with the WSDT being shown live on TNT Sports, and his experience and input will be invaluable and essential viewing for the television audience.

Taylor’s place in York will be taken by three-time Lakeside World Championship finalist Tony O’Shea, who missed out in playing at the 2024 World Seniors World Darts Championship at late notice due to a hand injury, and ‘Silverback’ will now take on reigning WSDT World Champion John Henderson in round one on Friday evening.

“Naturally, I am gutted to be missing out on playing in such a big event like the WSDT Seniors World Matchplay”, said Taylor.

“I have been leaving no stone unturned in preparation for York, but after having hip replacement surgery, I have been feeling pain in the last few weeks, and the consultants have advised against playing this weekend”.

“I withdrew from playing in a weekend exhibition in Whitby to give myself every chance for the Matchplay, but I have to be sensible, and take the advice I have been given on board”.

“Rest assured, I will be doing everything to be ready and fully fit for the WSDT Seniors World Masters in Sunderland in November”.

“I’m really pleased to be still be coming to York, and I’m looking forward to working with the team at TNT Sports and WSDT over the weekend and meeting the fans. The WSDT work tirelessly to put these events on, and I’m more than happy to help in any way I can”.

“It promises to be a fantastic tournament, and there will be a fair few that will be glad I’m not going to be playing, as practice was going very well!”.

The BetGoodwin WSDT Seniors World Matchplay gets underway from 1pm on Friday 4th October, and can be seen live on TNT Sports.

Tickets for the BetGoodwin WSDT Seniors World Matchplay are in limited availability, and can be found here:

https://yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/world-seniors-darts-tour-matchplay/