Taylor feeling Power
PHIL Taylor has still got “the power” when it comes to drawing in the fans Down Under.
Brisbane locals got the chance to meet the 16-time world champion at the Victory Hotel on Edward St yesterday and they turned up in their hundreds to grab the 57-yearold’s autograph, take a selfie or have a quick chat with the veteran darts star.
Taylor is part of News Corp’s International Pro Darts Showdown Series at the RNA Convention Centre, which came to a conclusion last night in front of a sellout crowd.
He and fellow professionals, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Andy Hamilton and Jamie Harvey spent an hour or two mingling with the locals and threw a few darts against some fans chosen by event sponsor Ubet.
Taylor said he was brought down to Earth and shocked by the response of his Australian supporters.
“One hundred per cent it surprises me,” the now-retired champion nicknamed “The Power” said, when asked about the backing of his fans Down Under.
“You never think that being a little lad from Stoke-on-Trent that anyone in the world would know who you are.
“This is the power of TV. It does amaze me.
“I am very humbled and to be honest with you I am loving every minute of it because I can spend time with people now.”
Taylor said he was thankful to event organiser News Corp and Dart Players Australia for giving him the chance to be part of the inaugural International Pro Darts Series, which heads to the Gold Coast next week before moving on to Townsville and Mackay.
“It’s freezing cold back home, and we have come here to a lovely, lovely country where the people are magnificent.” he said.
Taylor took on Rhys Mathewson in the quarter-finals of the series last night, with the winner to face either Whitlock or Ray O’Donnell in the last four.
The other quarter-finals featured Australian No.2 Kyle Anderson and Andy “The Hammer” Hamilton.
Aussie legend Russell Stewart was scheduled to face Robbie King.