Phil Taylor is set to return to competitive darts, teaming up with Adrian Lewis for England at the MODUS International Pairs tournament. The 16-time World Champion, who stepped away in 2024 after an unsuccessful World Seniors tilt, has decided to make a comeback alongside his former protégé. The competition will take place between November 23-28 at the MODUS Super Series studio in Portsmouth and will be shown on Pluto TV. Taylor has not played since the 2024 World Seniors Championship.
Taylor's return comes after a period of health struggles and surgeries that led him to step away from both competitive darts and exhibitions. However, he has since focused on losing weight and watching his health, which has now seen a return to the oche. He admitted recently that he had been throwing again, albeit with no real goal in mind, but it seemed to be gearing up to this comeback. Lewis, who has largely been playing exhibitions since his return to darts last year, has also been teasing a return. While he wants to play Challenge Tour, he doesn't feel ready for Q-School, but this pairing marks a more competitive return.
Taylor and Lewis only wanted to return together. Taylor said, "It's just the offer and something to do, plus playing with Aidy as well. Anyone else, I probably wouldn't have bothered. But playing with Aidy, it'll be good fun. I didn't even have a set of darts before I'd done this, but I'm enjoying it. I've been practicing a little bit. Normally I'll be practicing every day." Lewis added, "When I first asked about it, I thought, 'Yeah...' With Phil? I said, 'Yeah, definitely'. I wasn't really interested in playing if it wasn't for Phil. So here we are. We're going to have a good time, aren't we?" Taylor replied, "You're bloody right we are."
Taylor also praised the MODUS Super Series format for giving players an avenue to return to the oche and for rising stars. "MODUS is brilliant," Taylor said. "It's great for players. They're making a good little living for themselves, and they're also getting good match practice. With this sport, you need money, obviously. You know, when I was on the circuit, it was at least £10,000 a month travelling, and hotels, and stuff. So, you do need to earn money to carry on with your career." Lewis agreed, adding, "You set some aside and, obviously, if you're on the main tour, the money... well, £10,000 really was a stopping at Premier Inns kind of thing. Stopping at the top hotels, you'd probably be talking £20,000 to £30,000 per month."
Taylor has known Lewis since 'Jackpot' emerged as a teenager onto the darting circuit and was his mentor and practice partner during his early years, similar to Eric Bristow with 'The Power'. The duo will now reunite on the big stage, with fans eagerly anticipating their performance at the International Pairs. The tournament will be broadcast live and free on Pluto TV from November 23rd.
