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 to run from November 23 to November 28. The 66‑year‑old, who hung up his professional darts shoes in 2018 after a final world title five years earlier, will be partnering his long‑time friend and fellow former world champion Adrian Lewis for the event. The decision to return was not taken lightly.
Taylor, who has spent the past several years honing his practice routine in a local pub and even installing a brand‑new dartboard in his own home, said the prospect of sharing the oche with Lewis was the only compelling reason to come out of retirement. "I've been asked plenty of times about coming back, but it would have to be for the right reason," he explained. "Adrian is one of the very few people I'd come out of retirement to play alongside, and the MODUS Super Series is the place I wanted to do it.
We've got a lot of history together, we know each other's games inside out, and I'm looking forward to getting back up there with him." Lewis, who previously teamed with Taylor to capture four World Cup of Darts titles, echoed the sentiment, describing the reunion as "really special" and emphasizing the chemistry they share as a pair. "Phil and I have shared some brilliant moments playing together over the years," he said. "So to get the chance to do it again is really special.
We know what it takes to win as a pair and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together." The MODUS Super Series, while not an official PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) tournament, has built a reputation for attracting a diverse field of international talent and offering a more relaxed yet highly competitive environment. Organisers have promised an exciting line‑up, with the full list of participants slated for release on October 10. The tournament will be hosted across several venues, culminating in a final showdown that promises to showcase both seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Taylor's recent health updates add another layer of intrigue to his comeback.
Earlier this year he underwent a successful hip replacement surgery, a procedure that could have been career‑ending for many athletes. However, the former champion reported a smooth recovery and expressed confidence in his physical readiness to compete, even if only for a short stint.
"The surgery went well, and I'm feeling stronger than I expected," Taylor noted in a post‑surgery interview. "It gave me a new perspective on the game and reminded me how much I love stepping onto the board with a friend by my side." While the MODUS Super Series does not carry the same ranking points or prize money as a PDC major, the event offers a unique platform for legends like Taylor and Lewis to reconnect with fans, test their skills against a fresh cohort of players, and enjoy the camaraderie that made their earlier successes possible.
For many supporters, seeing the duo back together is a nostalgic reminder of the golden era of English darts, when the pair dominated international competitions and brought a new level of excitement to the sport. The tournament will be broadcast through various channels, with day‑two coverage of the World Grand Prix available live on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event beginning at 6 p.m.
on Tuesday. Sky Sports will continue its daily coverage through to the final on Sunday, ensuring that viewers can follow the unfolding drama of the pairs competition as well as other marquee matches.
Fans who prefer streaming can also access the event via NOW, which offers a contract‑free option for those who wish to watch without committing to a long‑term subscription. In addition to the main competition, the MODUS Super Series organizers have hinted at ancillary activities, such as fan meet‑and‑greets, exhibition matches, and interactive darts workshops aimed at younger players. These side events are designed to broaden the appeal of darts beyond its traditional audience, fostering a new generation of enthusiasts who can learn directly from the sport's most iconic figures.
Taylor's return, even if brief, underscores a broader trend within darts where retired champions occasionally reappear for exhibition matches, charity events, or special tournaments that hold personal significance. Such appearances serve both to celebrate the legacy of the sport's pioneers and to provide a bridge between the past and the present, allowing newer talents to share the stage with those who helped shape the modern game. As the November dates approach, anticipation builds among the darts community. Social media platforms are already buzzing with speculation about how the Taylor‑Lewis partnership will fare against other strong pairs, including teams featuring current PDC stars and rising international contenders.
Analysts point to their complementary playing styles—Taylor's clinical precision paired with Lewis's explosive finishing ability—as a formula that could prove difficult for opponents to dismantle. Ultimately, whether the duo captures the title or simply enjoys the experience, their participation adds a compelling narrative to the MODUS Super Series. It reminds fans that darts is not only a sport of relentless competition but also a community where friendships forged over countless matches can endure beyond the professional arena. For Taylor, this brief return may not signal a full‑time comeback, but it offers a chance to relive the thrill of competition, celebrate a storied partnership, and perhaps inspire a few more memorable moments on the oche before he steps back into retirement once again.