Phil "The Power" Taylor, the legendary 16‑time world darts champion, has announced that he will step back onto the competitive stage for a special appearance at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament, scheduled for late November. The 66‑year‑old, who hung up his professional darts shoes in 2018 after a glittering career that culminated in his final world title five years earlier, will join forces with longtime friend and fellow former world champion Adrian Lewis. The pair will contest the event from November 23 to November 28, marking Taylor’s first appearance in a televised tournament since his retirement. Taylor’s decision to return was not driven by a desire to resume a full‑time career; rather, it stems from the unique opportunity to share the oche with Lewis, a player with whom he has a deep history.
In a recent interview, Taylor explained that while he has been approached many times about a comeback, any return would need to be for a compelling reason. "Adrian is one of the very few people I would consider coming out of retirement to play alongside, and the MODUS Super Series is the perfect platform for that," he said. "We know each other's games inside and out, and the chance to team up again feels right." The partnership between Taylor and Lewis is far from a novelty.
The duo previously combined forces to win four World Cup of Darts titles for England, delivering some of the most memorable moments in the sport’s recent history. Lewis echoed Taylor’s enthusiasm, recalling the chemistry they shared on the big stage.
"Phil and I have created a lot of brilliant memories together over the years," Lewis remarked. "Being given the chance to relive that chemistry in a competitive setting is truly special.
We understand what it takes to win as a pair, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve this time around." In preparation for the event, Taylor has been keeping his skills sharp in a more relaxed environment. He has been practicing regularly at a local pub and has even installed a new dartboard at home to maintain his precision. Additionally, Taylor recently underwent a successful hip replacement surgery, which has restored his mobility and confidence in his physical ability to compete. While the surgery was a significant medical procedure, the former champion reported a smooth recovery and expressed confidence that he can perform at a high level despite his age.
The MODIS Super Series itself is not an official Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) tournament, but it has quickly become a popular showcase for top international talent. Organisers promise a strong field of participants, with the full entry list slated for release on October 10. The event will be streamed online and broadcast on various sports channels, offering fans worldwide the chance to watch the historic duo in action.
Beyond the excitement of Taylor’s brief return, the tournament provides a broader context for the evolving landscape of darts. In recent years, exhibition and invitational events like the MODUS Super Series have grown in prominence, offering players alternative platforms to compete outside the traditional PDC calendar.
These events often feature innovative formats, mixed‑gender teams, and opportunities for retired legends to make cameo appearances, thereby enriching the sport’s narrative and attracting new audiences. Taylor’s involvement also underscores a growing trend among retired athletes who selectively re‑engage with competition for specific, meaningful projects rather than a full‑time comeback.
This approach allows them to balance personal health considerations with the desire to experience the thrill of competition and connect with fans. In Taylor’s case, the allure of partnering with a trusted friend, combined with the relatively low‑pressure environment of an invitational tournament, creates an ideal scenario for a short‑term return. Fans looking to catch the action can tune in to the second day of the World Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event from 6 p.m.
on Tuesday, with daily coverage continuing through the final on Sunday. For those without a Sky subscription, the event will also be available via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free option. In summary, Phil Taylor’s decision to step back onto the oche for the MODUS Super Series International Pairs Tournament is a rare and exciting development for darts enthusiasts.
Teaming up with Adrian Lewis, the pair aims to rekindle the magic that brought them four World Cup titles in the past. While Taylor’s return is unlikely to signal a permanent comeback, it provides a nostalgic yet fresh chapter in his storied career, and it adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling event.
The darts community eagerly awaits the tournament’s start, anticipating high‑quality play, memorable moments, and perhaps a glimpse of what makes the partnership between Taylor and Lewis so enduring.