I'M BACKING MY OLD PAL TO HIT THE TOP AGAIN

Taylor says Lewis can return to Jackpot' OH CONNE glory days after taking emotional break

- MIKE WALTERS

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.