In a surprising revelation, darts icon Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has claimed a unique ancestral link, tracing his roots back to Mongolia. The legendary player, who once dominated the sport, discovered that his heritage connects him to the era of Genghis Khan, the renowned 12th-century founder of the Mongol Empire.

Taylor attributes his distinctive dietary habits to this heritage, particularly his intolerance for chips, which he says wreaks havoc on his digestive system. Speaking to the Daily Star, the 65-year-old explained, “I used to draw insights from athletes in other sports. I even underwent blood tests to tailor my diet to my blood type. My blood group is quite unusual—it’s of Mongolian origin.”

“This connection likely dates back to when the Mongolians expanded across the globe,” he continued. “I have their blood group, which is why I have no stomach issues when I eat rice or Chinese food. However, consuming chips, potatoes, or bread causes me severe discomfort and heartburn.”

In addition to sharing his intriguing ancestral link, Taylor, a 16-time world champion with an impressive collection of titles, also revealed his renewed commitment to fitness. He said, “I’m trying to stay in shape more these days, so I’ve taken up cycling.”

“But if I eat chips or potatoes, bread, it kills my stomach, gives me heartburn.”

The retired darts star, who boasts an impressive trophy cabinet as a 16-time world champion, also shared his newfound passion for fitness. He said: “I’m trying to keep fit a bit more now, so I do cycling.

“And then I’m in with one of my best mates Bobbie Goulding. He texts me every morning! He played rugby for Wigan, St. Helens, Leeds, England, Great Britain.

“He’s in his 50s, and he’s fit as a fiddle. He’s getting me into weights now. So I built a gym, put a sauna in and I’m cycling in the morning. I’ve got one of them vibrating plates as well. So I’ll get on there and squat.”

The darts champion also shared some travel and cooking tips he’s picked up throughout his career. Taylor said: “Normally for my dinner, I’ll have sour bread, avocado, a bit of olive oil, a bit of balsamic, tomatoes or poached egg, a bit of cheese.

“I’m addicted to it, I love it. I take my own cooking stuff to hotels. I take my own mattress topper, I take my own pillow, and I got all this off different sports people.”