Phil Taylor could make darts comeback in 2020 – but would have to qualify among pub players

Taylor retired two years ago after losing the final of the PDC World Championships to Rob Cross

Phil Taylor could yet make a comeback (Getty)

Phil Taylor has hinted he might make an extraordinary comeback to professional darts in 2020 – but has been warned by the PDC he will have to qualify alongside pub players.

Taylor, 59, retired two years ago after losing the final of the PDC World Championships to Rob Cross.

He has since hinted he could make a return to the sport in 2020 but PDC chairman Barry Hearn has warned he would have to qualify for his place on the tour through a UK Open qualifier at Rileys Sports Bar in Minehead.

Hearn told The Sun: “I spoke with Phil a few weeks ago. He was thinking about, ‘Shall I play the UK Open by entering a Rileys qualifier?’

“He phoned me and said, ‘What do you feel about it?’. I said, ‘Look, you aren’t subject to the player’s contract any more. You’re entitled to do what you like’.”

But Hearn added he feels as though Taylor could well make a comeback.

Hearn added: “Phil is enjoying himself.

“But part of him misses that competitive element he doesn’t get doing exhibitions.”