Taylor Struggles In Darts Grand Slam

Phil “The Power” Taylor, the 15-time world champion of darts, is struggling to get through to the next round at the Darts Grand Slam in Wolverhampton. After having been knocked out at the semi-final stage of last month’s World Grand Prix, he seems to be having problems with his form. 

Taylor may simply be suffering from the effects of age, as he tries to come to terms with a new pair of spectacles he has begun sporting. He has openly admitted that he is finding his glasses difficult to adjust into. 

The Power recently said: “I’m struggling with the glasses and because it’s new to me I’m thinking about it all the time but I’ve got to get used to them.” 

In order to avoid group stage elimination he has to defeat Wes Newton on Wednesday night. If he fails, this will be his first ever career knockout during this stage of the Grand Slam of Darts. 

Bookmakers are giving Taylor 8/1 odds of beating Newton. Some have even gone as far as quoting him as evens to make it through to the final and winning the event. 

Raymond van Barneveld, the world number three darts champion, is also having a torrid time and could also exit during the group stage. He was easily defeated by Colin Lloyd on Monday night and now faces Darryl Fitton to stay in the championship. Bookmakers are giving betting odds on Barneveld coming through successfully at 4/9.