Nicholson Takes On The Power

PAUL NICHOLSON is looking to pick up his third televised victory over Phil Taylor when the pair lock horns again in the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix.

Nicholson is one of few players to have defeated world number one Taylor twice in televised events in recent years, having seen off the Stoke great in the 2010 Players Championship Finals and at June's Speedy Hire UK Open.

Taylor has taken victory in all five games since, with one coming in a major at the European Championship in July as he took a 10-8 quarter-final triumph on his way to claiming a second major title of the summer.

Thursday's second round meeting in the World Grand Prix sees the pair clash again in an eagerly-awaited contest as their growing rivalry continues.

"It's going to be fun and I think there will be a massive TV audience on Thursday," said Nicholson. "This is what darts is all about.

"You've got the person who has thrown the best darts in history in Phil against the person who wants to throw the darts to upset him.

"All I want to do now is cement what I've done this year and take the confidence that I've gained over the last 12 months into this game and give him a real battle.

"It's going to be hard, I know that, and I'll have to work hard in the next 36 hours, but I'll be ready for Phil."

Nicholson added: "Since the European Championship we've played each other four times in the last week or so.

"He beat me 6-0 and 6-3 in the Championship League Darts, and then beat me twice 6-3 in Players Championship - but this is a different game.

"On stage, for some reason, I find an extra five percent, and the double-start can make a difference.

"Peter Wright showed that he is vulnerable, so if I can get into the game I can hopefully cause a bit of trouble and do the job."