Phil Taylor says he will not be reconsidering his plans to retire at the end of the season, despite winning a record 16th World Matchplay title at the weekend.
The 16-time world champion, who turns 57 a week on Sunday, defied the odds to claim his first ranking TV title in three years on Sunday.
But despite beating Gerwyn Price, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Peter Wright on his way to lifting the World Matchplay trophy at the Winter Gardens for a 16th time, Taylor has ruled out a change of heart and still plans to retire from the professional circuit after the 2018 World Championship.
“I’m done now, I’m finished now, it’s enough,” Taylor told Sky Sports after seeing off world number three Wright 18-8 in Sunday’s final.
“I’m 57 (on August 13), trust me, my back’s in half, my legs are killing me. I can sympathise with Tiger Woods.
“It’s hard, it really is. I’m doing everything I can to prolong my career. To win a major at my age is fantastic.
“This has capped everything off for me really. This couldn’t have come at a better time for me to be honest with you.
“It’s a bonus for me, my grandchildren (are here), the fans, all these people have got banners, I’ve never had this in my career. It’s lovely, it really is.”
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