Welcome one and all to 2010, a new year which brings new hope, new resolutions, a new series of Celebrity Big Brother (heaven help us) and the same old winner of the darts. I refer of course to Phil the Power Taylor, a man mountain from Stoke and colossus in the world of arrows.

He became the world champion for the 15th time last night by winning the PDC World title (the world of darts is split into two federations. It’s all very complicated). He beat Simon Whitlock in the final, a man who looks more than a little like Catweazel.

Now whether you think darts is a proper sport or a pub game is a different matter. I accept the mental discipline and practice required is exceptional. And there is no little skill and co-ordination required to get to the very top. But a sport? Are these men athletes? Just a cursory glance at a lot of them would suggest not. Beer bellies ahoy and don’t spare the pints.

But darts has certainly tried to clean up its act over the years. Gone are the days when you couldn’t see the stage through the fog of cigarette smoke and I know a lot of players shun the pint of bitter in between sets now. And the sport has also tried to become more trendy to widen its appeal. For example there is now a celebrity interest. One of the UK's finest players James Wade is going out with TV presenter Helen Chamberlain, and they are like the Posh and Becks of the sport.

But I was intrigued by Phil the Power’s comments on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, when he told Nicky Campbell he was going to hire a nutritionist. A what? Yes that’s right a nutritionist. Our Phil, who readily admits he has had to battle with his weight over the years, is hiring someone to help him get fit....... He’s also having a gym built at his home and fair play to the man, he is pulling out the stops to stay at the top of his favourite sport. I was in silent awe.

The BDO’s (British Darts Organisation) version of the world championship is about to start at Frimley Green. Phil won’t be there as he is affiliated to the PDC (acronyms ahoy as well). But the competition will be intense and the crowds enthusiastic. I went to Frimley Green a couple of years ago to see the arrows and I can honestly say it is an unforgettable experience........ Try it. It is great fun. And as a nation we seem to enjoy it. Research shows that a third of young people have either played darts or are interested in it. There is even talk of trying to get it into the Olympics....... Who knows what the future holds, but Phil the Power will be around for some time to come. You can certainly count on that.

PS. I did the Davina Bottom Fit workout on Saturday and let's just say...... it's very hard and very painful this morning...... two days later..... I can see why the woman in question has buttocks of steel.

Tags: Phil The Power taylor, Simon Whitlock, PDC, BDO, Helen Chamberlain, James Wade, Posh and Becks, BBC Radio 5 Live, Nicky Campbell, Catweazel

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