PHIL TAYLOR has been congratulated on winning a 15th World Championship by Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Taylor defeated Simon Whitlock 7-3 to win the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship a fortnight ago, further extending his record of World Championship titles.
His tally of 15 World Championship wins puts him ten ahead of two of the sport's other legends, five-time World Champions Eric Bristow and Raymond van Barneveld.
He has now been recognised for the achievement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has sent Taylor a letter to congratulate him on the victory.
Brown also praises the 49-year-old as "an inspiration to darts fans in Britain and around the world".
"It was a big surprise and also a tremendous honour to receive this letter," said Taylor. "It shows how the profile of the sport is growing that the Prime Minister has made this gesture.
"It's a very proud moment for me."
The letter reads:
Dear Phil
Many congratulations on securing an unprecedented 15th World Championship. You once again confirmed your status as the most successful darts player of all time, and are an inspiration to darts fans in Britain and around the world. I wish you every success in the future.
With best wishes,
Gordon Brown
Click here to see Gordon Brown's letter to Phil Taylor