Adrian Lewis alleges Phil Taylor used foul tactics in darts matches
Phil Taylor has been accused by fellow darts star Adrian Lewis of using foul tactics during Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) matches, including deliberately breaking wind as a psychological ploy against his opponents, reports BritPanorama.
The two-time world champion, known affectionately as ‘The Power’, has faced criticism from Lewis, who recounted this unusual tactic during an interview with talkSPORT. He described Taylor as someone who would “be standing there and farting on the oche doing all sorts,” highlighting the extent of such gamesmanship throughout their long-standing rivalry.
Lewis, now 65, detailed how these antics were frequent and played out in front of packed arenas and television audiences. He indicated that Taylor’s strategies did not stop at bodily functions; they allegedly included sabotaging opponents’ equipment, with cases mysteriously disappearing during competitions. “For instance your darts case would go missing,” Lewis remarked, underscoring the psychological intensity within their matches.
Lewis emphasized the ongoing nature of Taylor’s tactics throughout their confrontations on the professional circuit. He admitted his own struggle to maintain composure when faced with such trickery, noting, “I do bite when I shouldn’t bite,” and expressing that he often confronts rivals on the spot rather than waiting for the match to conclude.
He further clarified that his approach has drawn mixed reactions from peers on the PDC tour, questioning why he does not hold back issues until after matches. “There’s no point telling someone later if they’re doing something wrong,” he stated, advocating for immediate dialogue even under the watchful eye of global audiences.
This recounting from Lewis serves as a reminder of the unconventional depths of competition in professional darts, where mind games can hold as much weight as skill. Taylor’s legacy remains one of not just unparalleled talent but also controversial tactics that have lingered in the memories of competitors and fans alike.
