I’m a former darts world champion who played with Phil Taylor – I shouldn’t have become close pals with him

TWO-TIME darts world champion Dennis Priestley says 'he shouldn't have let' Phil Taylor 'get that close' to him friendship-wise.

Back in the day, the pair were close pals - so close they even used to share prize money with each other.

Priestley, 73 and Taylor, 63 were rivals during the 1990's but also best buddies.

They shared their winnings with each other before the sport's spectacular boom in the 2000's.

Priestley was the first player to win both the BDO and WDC (now the PDC) titles.

But it wasn't long before Taylor took over the top position which he held for the best part of 20 years.

The Menace believes he taught the Power a few too many things back in the day.

"Looking back on the situation, I shouldn't have let him get that close to me in terms of friendly wise.

"I was 10 years senior to him, and I was not a teenager in my 20s.

"I believe he learnt a lot from me but I should have not let him get too close to me.

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"I should have kept him at arm's length with more distance. Although, it did make me more hungry."

Taylor accumulated a mammoth 16 world titles - a record Priestley is certain will never be matched.

He continued: "Phil and his record will never be overtaken.

“It is possible, but in my opinion, no one will get near the 16 World Championships and all his other titles.

“If you are a top player and dominate for a decade, you have done extremely well.

"Phil more or less dominated for two decades which was remarkable.”