THE power is nearly out…but Phil Tayor still has one more surge left in him.

With 81 major titles and 16 World crowns to his credit, the 54-year-old could easily put down his darts and settle for a quieter life away from the travelling, the vast arenas and the cacophony of enthusiastic crowds.

That is not the way a champion thinks, however, and success and silverware still continue to motivate and drive the best player ever to stand at the oche.

Taylor has reigned supreme as the king of darts, seeing off Priestly, Part, Van Barneveld, Wade and Lewis on the way, but it is the next in line to the throne, Dutch star Michael van Gerwen, that is in the Power's sights now.

"I will play for a couple of more years," Taylor told SportTimes. "I am motivated just now because Michael has started winning everything. I have that motivation back.

"It doesn't do you any harm to have that challenge. I have loved it, but I will start slowing down a bit. I will enjoy the game now and slow down a bit. I want to win another World title, though, that is what I am after in January.

"The standard now is very very good and with the money in the game, people are more dedicated."

The day will come when Taylor will no longer spend the hours required at the practice board or make the walk to the stage with his iconic theme music blaring around packed arenas.

But for a man whose life has been dominated by the game, there will never truly be a final throw of the dart from the Englishman.

Whether it is at the oche or behind the microphone, he will continue to play his part to grow a game that has become a business phenomenon and huge sporting success.

Taylor said: "I will never retire from darts, I will always be involved in the game. Darts will be my living for the rest of my life, but I can start slowing down now.

"I won't be doing any coaching, I will be going fishing! I get invited to a lot of things and I will maybe do some TV when I have time. Darts has grown so much over the years. I could never have imagined it would get to this stage in a million years. I knew it could get bigger, but not like this."

Having returned from Germany after his 10-9 defeat to Stephen Bunting in one of the most enthralling matches of the European Masters, Taylor has been on the promotional trail to speak about his new book, 'Staying Power'.

His next stop is Scotland, with a first-round match against Wes Newton to come this weekend as he begins his bid for the Unibet Masters title in Edinburgh.

Taylor said: "We always get a good crowd in Scotland and the fans always get well involved. I am not 100% right for it because I have been doing other things, but I am looking forward to it.

"The fans come out, have a good time and enjoy themselves, which is what it is all about. All the Scottish players are on song.

"You get a real buzz up in Scotland, the Glasgow Premier League is one of the loudest ones there is. It is probably the best one we do."

Staying Power: A Year in My Life by Phil Taylor is published by Hodder & Stoughton £20. Phil will be signing copies on Monday. November 3, at Waterstones West End, Edinburgh, 12.30-1.30pm and WHSmith, Argyle St, Glasgow 4.00-5.00pm.