Darts has always been a sport where rivalries burn bright, fueled by high stakes, razor-sharp competition, and the occasional flashpoint that turns respect into resentment. Few players embodied dominance quite like Phil Taylor, the 16-time world champion whose unparalleled success made him both revered and reviled on the PDC circuit. Known as “The Power,” Taylor’s reign from the 1990s through the 2010s was marked by ruthless precision and a mental edge that crushed opponents. Yet, even a legend like him wasn’t immune to personal grudges, and one particular rival drew his ire more than most after a provocative on-stage gesture.
The player in question was Paul Nicholson, the brash Australian-adopted Englishman nicknamed “The Asset.” Nicholson burst onto the major scene in the late 2000s, winning the Players Championship Finals in 2010 and earning a reputation for his aggressive style and unapologetic confidence. His clashes with Taylor peaked in 2011, a year when he stunned the darts world by defeating the reigning king twice on television. The fireworks truly exploded during the UK Open that year, where Nicholson edged out Taylor in a thrilling encounter.
As the match concluded, Nicholson didn’t hold back in his celebration. He later recounted the moment vividly: “I waved at him, then I high-fived someone in the crowd, then I walked over and shook his hand. And he hated me.” What might have seemed like standard exuberance to some crossed a line for Taylor, who interpreted the wave as a dismissive “send-off” to a fading icon. At the time, Nicholson downplayed it, insisting the gesture wasn’t directed at his opponent. But years later, he admitted the truth—it was intentional, a cheeky farewell to the man who had dominated for so long.
Taylor’s reaction was fierce. He reportedly reached a point where he “wanted to strangle him,” a sentiment echoed in heated exchanges and post-match comments labeling Nicholson’s actions as disrespectful. The feud simmered through subsequent encounters, with mind games and verbal barbs adding spice. Nicholson thrived on the antagonism, using it to fuel his upsets, while Taylor channeled his anger into proving his supremacy. This dynamic highlighted the generational shift brewing in darts—Nicholson representing the bold new wave challenging the old guard.
Their rivalry wasn’t just personal; it captivated fans in packed arenas like Alexandra Palace, where crowds reveled in the drama.
Taylor, accustomed to adoration or at least awe, found himself facing a player unafraid to poke the bear. Nicholson later reflected on the tension easing over time, expressing admiration for Taylor’s achievements, but in the heat of competition, the dislike was mutual and palpable.
This episode was part of a broader pattern in Taylor’s career, where his dominance bred envy and occasional confrontations. He had notable spats with others, from handshake snubs to on-stage altercations, but the Nicholson wave stood out for its brazenness. It symbolized the changing landscape of the PDC, where younger players like Michael van Gerwen and later Luke Littler would continue testing “The Power.”
Nicholson, for his part, embraced his role as the agitator, representing Australia in the World Cup of Darts and building a cult following for his entertaining persona.
Their head-to-head battles, including tight finishes and high averages, added classic chapters to darts history.
In retrospect, the feud humanized Taylor, showing that even the greatest could be rattled by provocation. It also underscored darts’ appeal: not just arrows on a board, but personalities clashing under bright lights. As Taylor retired with an unmatched legacy, moments like this remind fans why his era was so unforgettable—full of triumph, tension, and timeless drama.
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