Phil Taylor says darts ace who refused to join PDC could've been 'multi-millionaire'

Phil Taylor believes one darts star would have been a 'multi-millionaire' had he quit the BDO to join the PDC.

In 1993, a dispute between top darts players and the British Darts Organisation led to the creation of a new organisation - the World Darts Council.

Whereas the BDO had governed the entire sport of darts, there were now two rival organisations - and the likes of Taylor, Eric Bristow and Dennis Priestley had joined the WDC (now the PDC). In 1993, all 16 players involved in the new organisation were 'suspended' by the BDO.

The WDC subsequently launched a lawsuit against the BDO over alleged loss of earnings and restraint of trade - and even argued that the treatment violated EU law.

A compromise between both parties was reached with a court order known as a Tomlin order, before a judge agreed in favour of WDC players and the suspensions were lifted.

In the years since, players have effectively had to decide whether to play in the BDO or the PDC, with the likes of Raymond van Barneveld, Gary Anderson, Michael van Gerwen and Stephen Bunting all making the direct switch to the PDC in recent years as it rapidly overtook its rival.

But one player that always opted against leaving the BDO was Martin Adams, who won their world title in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

'Wolfie' was one of the top stars of the BDO for most of the past 30 years, and now, at the age of 67, plays on the seniors tour.

Earlier this month, Adams was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the shoulder of his throwing arm - before remarkably beating Taylor 10-9 at the Champions of Champions tournament.

Speaking before his defeat, Taylor stated his belief that the 67-year-old could have had major success in the PDC.

He said: "He's a player I thought, 'You should have come over'.

"I know he was England captain, he was proud to be that. He sticks by what he believes in. But when I look at Martin now, I think, 'You could have been a multi, multi-millionaire'.

"He might be one, I don't know. But he had the talent to get up there and be in the top three in the world.

"Could he have made a splash on the PDC? I don't think he would - I know he would have done. It would have improved Martin and his game.

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"He was a good practicer. If you look at his style, I think he has probably one of the nicest styles in darts. He's a good finisher, a good scorer. Very good under pressure."

Their latest clash could be the final time fans see Taylor and Adams do battle competitively, as 'The Power' has announced that the 2024 season will be his last as a professional player.

The record-holding 16-time world champion retired from the PDC in 2018, with his last match seeing him lose 7-2 to Rob Cross in the World Championship final.