Newly-crowned champion Taylor is ruling out early retirement

The 52-year-old recovered from 2-0 and 4-2 down against the Dutchman to claim the inaugural Sid Waddell trophy in the final of Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Taylor’s high-quality 7-4 victory brought to a close a tournament that saw him both struggle with illness and become involved in an ugly spat at the oche.

An ill-advised altercation with Raymond van Barneveld after their semi-final encounter was the trigger for the Stoke thrower to admit he was seriously considering his future in the sport.

But yesterday he revealed that rest rather than retirement was now his aim, and admitted his career could continue beyond the age of 55.

“I’m not going to walk away. I’m going to have a little break, obviously. I need a bit of a rest now,” he said.

“I’m going to do a promotion in Dubai this month, so I’m going to take that as a holiday. I’m going to relax and get ready for the Premier League next.

“I’ve been written off more times than Rocky Balboa I think. I’ve had more comebacks than Sylvester Stallone anyway.

“I’m not going to give in – I’m going to keep going and show them I’m still dedicated.”

Taylor, who has frequently said he might retire at 55, admits the rush from Tuesday night’s comeback could sway him to change his mind.

“That was my plan in life, even when I was working in a factory,” he said. “I’m going to see how I feel over the next two or three years – if I feel okay at 55 then I will carry on.”

There was an emotional pull for Taylor, too, as his rally to beat 23-year-old van Gerwen saw him become the first recipient of a new trophy named after late darts commentator Sid Waddell, a close personal friend.

“It’s extra special,” Taylor said. “You mention Sid’s name and everyone smiles. That’s the memories of Sid. He was probably my best friend in darts, along with Eric Bristow. Sid was exceptional. I do miss him dearly.”

Former world champion Bristow, who dominated darts in the 1980s, predicted victory will not be the last world title Taylor takes, even if he does not remain dominant for years to come.

“He won’t get to 20 but there most likely will be another one in him,” Bristow said.

“He is getting on a bit now. And Michael van Gerwen is going to win a few, he’s a brilliant darts player, he’s the best of the rest of the bunch.”