Phil Taylor Biography: Books Parents, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Children, Controversy, Awards

Phil Taylor, also known as “The Power,” is regarded as the most excellent darts player in history.

Over a career that lasted three decades, Taylor won an unprecedented 16 World Championships and more than 200 professional tournaments.

His consistency and dominance in the sport transformed darts, elevating it to new heights of popularity.

Taylor’s success, particularly in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), made him a sporting icon in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Profile

•   Full name: Philip Douglas Taylor
•   Date of birth: August 13, 1960
•   Age: 64 years old
•   Gender: Male
•   Place of birth: Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England
•   Nationality: British
•   Profession: Professional Darts Player (Retired)
•   Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
•   Parents: Doug Taylor (father), Liz Taylor (mother)
•   Siblings: Christopher Taylor, Liz Taylor (sister)
•   Spouse: Divorced (previously married to Yvonne Taylor)
•   Children: Lisa Taylor, Chris Taylor, Kelly Taylor, Natalie Taylor
•   Relationship status: Single
•   Religion: Christian
•   Ethnicity: White British
•   Net worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Phil Taylor was born on August 13, 1960, in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England, and is now 64. He grew up in a working-class family; his father, Doug Taylor, was a sheet metal worker, while his mother, Liz Taylor, was a homemaker.

Taylor attended local schools in Stoke-on-Trent but left formal education at 16 to work various jobs, including making ceramic toilet roll handles. It was in his late twenties that Taylor’s darting career began to take shape.

He started playing darts in local pubs, showing promise in the sport. Raised as a Christian, Taylor remains deeply connected to his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, where he built his life and career.

Personal Life

Phil Taylor’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was married to Yvonne Taylor for nearly three decades before they divorced in 2016. Together, they had four children: Lisa, Chris, Kelly, and Natalie Taylor.

After his divorce from Yvonne, there were rumours that Taylor had been dating his fitness instructor, Laura Church, although neither had confirmed the relationship publicly. These days, Taylor spends more time with his grandchildren and enjoys a more private life away from the darting spotlight.

Career

Phil Taylor’s darting career began in earnest in the late 1980s when fellow darts legend Eric Bristow mentored him. Taylor won his first World Championship title in 1990 and quickly established himself as a dominant force in the sport.

Throughout his career, he won a record 16 World Championships, eight consecutively between 1995 and 2002, setting an almost unbeatable standard in darts.

Taylor’s career is filled with remarkable achievements, including hitting a televised nine-dart finish—a perfect game—11 times. He was also instrumental in the rise of the PDC, helping bring darts into mainstream prominence.

Throughout his career, Taylor set numerous records, including 85 major titles, more than any other player in history. He was known for his intense rivalry with other top players like Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen, which only added to his legendary status.

Taylor retired from professional darts in 2018 after losing the World Championship final to Rob Cross. Although his retirement marked the end of an era, Taylor continues to be involved in darts, occasionally playing in exhibitions and offering commentary on major events.

Awards

•   16-time World Darts Champion (1990, 1992, 1995–2002, 2004–2006, 2009, 2010, 2013)
•   85 Major Titles in Darts
•   BBC Sports Personality of the Year (Runner-up 2010)
•   PDC Player of the Year (2006, 2008–2012)
•   PDC Hall of Fame Inductee (2011)

Net Worth

Phil Taylor’s net worth is estimated at $10 million as of 2024. Taylor earned wealth through his remarkable dart career, winning major tournaments with significant prize money. Endorsement deals and sponsorships bolstered his earnings.

Controversy

Phil Taylor’s illustrious career was not without its controversies. One of the significant scandals came in 1999 when Taylor was fined £2,000 and received a suspended sentence after being accused of sexually assaulting two women in a caravan.

Taylor denied the accusations, but the incident led to significant media attention and reputational damage. Despite this, Taylor continued to perform at the highest level in darts, and his fans remained loyal.

Another controversial aspect of Taylor’s career was his publicized divorce from Yvonne Taylor in 2016. After nearly 30 years of marriage, the divorce settlement saw Taylor relinquish several properties and a significant portion of his wealth. The settlement reportedly cost him five houses and £830,000.

Taylor’s intense rivalries, particularly with Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen, often led to heated moments on the stage. While these rivalries contributed to the excitement of the sport, Taylor was sometimes criticized for his aggressive demeanour in competition.

Social Media

  Instagram: @PhilTaylorOfficial

  Twitter: @PhilTaylor

Books

•   The Power: My Autobiography (2014)
•   Staying Power (2003)