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PHIL TAYLOR has revealed the comment from Eric Bristow that “shattered” his heart.
The Power is celebrated as one of the greatest darts players of all time, having triumphed over the legendary Bristow during his career.
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Taylor, now 65, received guidance from the Crafty Cockney in the early stages of his career.
He became a 16-time world champion, breaking Bristow’s record of five championships.
While Taylor experienced an array of triumphs, his true heartbreak did not stem from the competitive arena but from a conversation with Bristow.
He shared that when his idol remarked about his declining career and expressed feeling “no good,” it left a significant impact on him.
In an interview with Stephen Hendry’s Cue Tips, he recounted, “There was a moment with Eric when his career was winding down.
“He called me over, saying, ‘Phil, come here for a moment.’ He pointed out, ‘See all these people here?’ I nodded and he said, ‘They’re talking to me.’ What’s wrong with that?
“He added, ‘They never talked to me when I was number one in the world.’ He then said, ‘You know what that signifies, don’t you?’ I asked, ‘What?’
“He replied, ‘I’m no good anymore.’ That devastated me; it truly saddened me. It broke my heart a little. I told him, ‘Come on, don’t be ridiculous.’
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“I was there; all the players were engaged with him, and I thought, ‘Get back to that practice board, Taylor. They’re talking to you.’”
Bristow was one of the most iconic figures at the oche during the 1980s.
He won the World Championship title in 1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
Sadly, he passed away in 2018 due to a heart attack while attending a Premier League Darts event in Liverpool.
In addition, Taylor has expressed regrets over his illustrious career.
His loss to John Part in the 2003 World Championship marked the end of an astonishing run of eight consecutive titles.
He reflected, “When I lost to John Part, after winning it eight years in a row, even Eric [Bristow] told me, ‘People are tuning out, Phil.
“You’re becoming dull. You win every year.’ And I thought, ‘Yes, I get it.’
“But it was a huge relief for me. It felt like then the general public would approach me, saying, ‘Come on, Phil, go reclaim your title.
“It’s not the same without you.’ I realized, okay, I’ve got them back on my side now, so I can prepare for next year.”
