We will soon survey a darts landscape without Phil Taylor: the Power plans to step away from the oche for good after the 2018 World Championships. Judging by comments made last night, it will not be a particularly poorer place. Of course, any sport will keenly feel the loss of its greatest player, but Taylor ended last night's victory over Daryl Gurney on a sour note, giving an exceptionally classless interview to Sky Sports.
The performance was vintage Taylor: a 16-4 victory reminiscent of some of his finest victories from his entire career, and afterward went all Conor McGregor on Sky.
Asking "who is Daryl Gurney?" Taylor explained that he wanted to teach Gurney a lesson.
Vintage Taylor wanted to teach him a lesson. Of course I did, he's a youngster. You know what he did wrong? He poured a glass of water and left me out. I thought, 'you cheeky young so-and-so.
Respect. It's called respect. Without me, there would be no PDC. So have some respect. Come on.
Taylor then - strangely - bragged that he had received a message from Conor McGregor in the build-up, which led to this slightly uneasy exchange with the interviewer:
-Conor McGregor texted me earlier on. You want me to tell you what he said? No, you don't.
- Is it PG?
-[Awkward laugh] No.
-Did he wish you the best of luck?
-Yes. And who's Daryl Gurney?
Watch it below.
