Phil Taylor has long been recognized as one of the greatest darts players of all time, and his legacy continues to shine brightly even three decades after one of his most astonishing achievements resurfaced. The remarkable moment occurred at the 1993 UK Matchplay tournament when Taylor executed the rare 240-point shot during his match against Jocky Wilson. This extraordinary feat is now impossible to replicate, making it all the more noteworthy.
The iconic shot took place on July 18, 1993, at the Aquarius Club in Chesterfield, England. The tournament was broadcasted by ITV Yorkshire, and as the cameras caught the action, Taylor’s stunning score was announced with sheer excitement. Back then, the game was played on the Quadro board, which had been introduced just the previous year by Harrows Darts Technology. Unlike standard boards, the Quadro featured an extra ring between the double and outer bullseye, permitting players to score quadruples alongside the usual trebles.
Fans flocked to social media as footage of the shot resurfaced recently, highlighting the brilliance of Taylor's expertise. Unlike the regular maximum score of 180 from three treble 20s, Taylor managed to achieve the unprecedented score of 240 by landing three quadruple 20s. The commentator's voice echoed, "240!" as the crowd applauded, blending astonishment with admiration.
This remarkable achievement was not only historic for Taylor but for the sport as well. The Quadro board opened up new possibilities for scoring, leading to Taylor's legendary moment recorded as the second-ever 240 on camera. Although Taylor wasn't alone; other players such as Wilson, Shayne Burgess, Bob Anderson, and Peter Evison later managed to achieve the same feat during the same tournament.
Despite its initial excitement, the Quadro board faced significant criticism. Many players, referees, and commentators found themselves confused by the scoring system. Because of this, the board was discontinued by 2000, much to the relief of many involved. While the original Quadro board has been consigned to darts history, recent discussions have reignited interest with the announcement of new versions, including one expected to be released for to players and fans to buy beginning in 2025. The updated design aims to resolve the previous confusion by adopting modern technologies.
Interestingly, even as this new version generates buzz, the current generation of players, such as Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, face the challenge of living up to Taylor's monumental legacy. While Littler, only 17, has provoked talk of possibly challenging those records, Taylor's unprecedented 240 remains untouchable. "I hope not," he joked recently when asked if Littler could eventually eclipse his 17 world titles. "I’ll tell you what though, if there's anybody who could do it, it's this young lad now. He's got the age on his side, and he’s got the ability, so you never know, you never know."
The regional and social popularity of darts has grown substantially thanks to the new wave led by players like Littler, showcasing how the sport has transitioned over the years. Yet, many older fans understand the gravity of Taylor's achievements, which remain unparalleled. With Taylor's 240 resurfacing on social media, enthusiasts reflected on the past, sparking discussions about the competitors of today.
This rare footage of Taylor's astounding score serves as both a nostalgic reminder of the golden days of darts and as an emblem of the sport's evolution over the years. The fact remains: no matter the skill new players possess, they will be hard-pressed to achieve what Taylor did during his day. Long after Taylor's retirement from professional darts, his legendary moments like this continue to reaffirm his status as perhaps the greatest darts player the sport has ever seen.
Players and fans alike eagerly await the upcoming World Darts Championship final, featuring Littler against van Gerwen, as anticipation for the legacy of darts blends the excitement of potential future greats with the memories of past legends. While there's excitement for what lies ahead, Phil Taylor’s score of 240 will undoubtedly endure as one of the sport's greatest moments, serving as both inspiration and encouragement for the future of darts.