Simon Parker column

Played three, lost three – it’s the sort of form guide more associated with Fulham than Phil Taylor.

But the greatest dart-ist of them all has suddenly gone missing. The 16-times world champion looks fallible.

Three defeats to kick off the Premier League season have started whispers that he might not even make the cut for the latter stages.

Phil the Power has been switched off.

It’s nonsense to think that he is ‘shot’ – like a washed-up boxer who has stepped in the ring once too often. But something is definitely amiss.

When I mentioned this on Twitter, Taylor fans were quick with their reminders of previous blips and how he had always come back better and stronger. Recent darts history dares you to write him off at your peril.

But this is not the Taylor of old that we are witnessing every Thursday night as he toils against another young pretender.

New darts has been offered up as a valid excuse. He also looks gaunt after shedding a lot of weight.

Something is not what it was. His opponents have sensed it and seized the opportunity like a pack of hungry wolves.

Taylor could often beat a rival before he reached the oche. The opening sound of his ‘Snap’ theme and the roar of the crowd would be enough to cow the poor unfortunate preparing to throw against him.

But that air of invincibility has gone. Players who used to be whipping boys down the years now fancy their chances.

Without that fear factor, Taylor is just another competitor – albeit one with a glorious past.

Like Manchester United under David Moyes, right now he is living on reputation and name only.