By his own very high standards, it has been a barren spell for the great Philip Douglas Taylor!
But he is determined to change all that as he takes to his “favourite stage in the world” at the Winter Gardens, where he will be chasing an incredible 12th World Matchplay title.
“I know what people have been saying, but that drives me on and they can carry on writing me off. I am so focused on winning in Blackpool,” the Unicorn star revealed.
Taylor starts his Blackpool bid on Monday against Mark Hylton but this is his tournament and the Winter Gardens has become his darting home over the years…..he is very difficult to beat in this ‘legs’ format.
After losing at the World Grand Prix, World Championship, Premier League and UK Open, this tournament really matters for ‘The Power’ as he looks to send out a clear message to the chasing pack.
He has enjoyed a short holiday in Spain and the batteries are recharged….he is ready!
His biggest challenge could come from Unicorn World Champion Adrian Lewis. His previous best was a semi-final appearance in Blackpool.
Lewis’ Saturday all Unicorn showdown with Kevin Painter is the highlight of the opening night at the Winter Gardens and he won’t want any hiccups along the way!
“Kevin will be a dangerous opponent but I am playing well at the moment. I love the crowd and the atmosphere,” he said.
Lewis and Taylor are seeded to meet in the final.
“That would be perfect,” Lewis admitted. “I’ve beaten him three times out of the last four in big events and if you can beat Phil Taylor over a long distance, you can beat anyone!”
Lewis is third favourite with sponsors SkyBet behind Taylor and Gary Anderson…..The Scot and Taylor could yet meet in the semi-finals.
Anderson kicks-off against Andy Hamilton on Tuesday night.
And there are two more big all Unicorn clashes…..On Sunday night, Paul Nicholson takes on Colin Osborne and on the same night, it is James Wade against Jamie Caven.
Wade will be tough to beat after his UK Open triumph. “I love Blackpool,” he said. “My win at the Winter Gardens still rates as one of the best moments of my career and I am feeling good!”
Terry Jenkins opens up proceedings on Saturday against Steve Beaton and elsewhere in the 1st Round, Raymond van Barneveld plays Steve Brown on Sunday and Wes Newton takes on Andy Smith on Monday night.
Newton of course, is desperate to win his first ever game at the Matchplay at the 5th attempt, but after reaching his first ‘Major’ TV Final in Bolton, he will be big favourite against ‘The Pie Man’
Saturday order of play:
Terry Jenkins v Steve Beaton
Vincent van der Voort v Alan Tabern
Adrian Lewis v Kevin Painter
Mark Webster v John Part
• And don’t forget that you will be able to follow all the action with Stuart Pyke, as he provides daily news reports and blogs from the Winter Gardens starting on Saturday night
By STUART PYKE (twitter @stuartpykesport)
Photos courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC