Phil Taylor admits he is concerned for his old World Cup sidekick Adrian Lewis – but insists he is still young enough to come back and hit the jackpot again.
Two-time world champion Lewis, 38, revealed in April he is taking a break from darts in an emotional bulletin hinting at burnout and hidden anguish away from the oche. The man nicknamed 'Jackpot' because of a $72,000 win on a fruit machine in Las Vegas helped Taylor win the World Cup of Darts for England four times in five years.
This weekend, Michael Smith and Rob Cross fly the flag at the 2023 tournament in Frankfurt with the 'Power' joining the arrows fraternity in wishing Lewis well.
Taylor, whose staggering collection of 16 world titles is unlikely ever to be beaten, said: "Some of the players have been asking me about Aidy and why he's stepped back from the circuit. I'm none the wiser, and of course I hope he's OK.
"I know (his wife) Sarah's health has not been the best in recent months, and if he's putting darts to one side because family comes first, good on him. A break might do him the world of good because the schedule is relentless. The circuit is so brutal - all the travel and hotels is expensive if you are not winning any significant prize money.
"It can wear you down, and if you've got things going on your mind, or in the background at home, it can take its toll on you mentally. I would love to see Aidy back to his best, because when he's on top of his game he's still a top player with a lot to offer – but you've got to get your mindset right on that stage.
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"I do worry about him, but I hope he'll work through whatever is keeping him away from the floor and the stage. There aren't many people who have won two world titles out there - he's still young enough, and good enough, to win another one."
Lewis has not won a TV major since the last time he partnered Taylor to World Cup glory in 2016, when they beat Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld 3-2 in the final.
Taylor, favourite to win the World Seniors Masters at Westlands in Yeovil on June 24-25, said: "The key to it was having fun. It doesn't matter if you're the two best players: If you don't gel together, it's not going to work.
"I loved playing with Aidy because he was proud to represent his country, but the practice room was always a happier place when he was there. We used to wind each other up and maybe some of the other players thought we were larking about, but as soon as we got on that stage we were deadly serious.
"On paper, Michael and Rob should have a good chance of winning it this year. England have got the reigning world champion and a guy currently ranked in the top five whose form is resurgent.
"Michael's game is still a bit hit and miss, but I know he will wear his England shirt with pride. It's about time England won it again and we've got the team to do it."
