Taylor still going strong

Phil Taylor has dismissed suggestions that his powers could be on the wane ahead of the upcoming McCoy's Premier League Darts campaign.

The 51-year-old was surprisingly knocked out in the second round of the recent Ladbrokes World Darts Championship, prompting speculation that his time as the dominant force in world darts may be over.
But Taylor, whose list of 2011 victories included the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and the first Players Championship Finals at the start of the year, is not ready to give in yet.
'The Power' says he has not made any major changes to his practice routine, but has embarked on a new fitness drive in a bid to re-establish himself as the best in the world.
"I'm practising normally, I'm in the gym, I've lost weight and I'm getting fitter," the 15-time world champion told Sky Sports from Norfok where he was appearing as part of a competition for JJb Sports.
He added: "I've been written off more times than Rocky Balboa and I've had more comebacks than Rocky Balboa.

Phil Taylor will be appearing in the Turnstone Pub in Norfolk on Thursday evening to play against lucky JJB Sports prize-winner Paul Blisset.

Majors

"I won four majors out of seven, so I've not done too badly. It's nice to shove two fingers up at those people (who have written me off), of course it is, but I'm not too worried about it."
'The Power' was taking time out of his practice to play a game of darts with Paul Blisset, who won the chance to play Taylor in JJb Sport's 40th anniversary competition.
Taylor also believes that the gruelling 15-week Premier League schedule will mean that those who can perform well consistently will rise to the top.
He said: "The Premier League is brilliant because it's an endurance one. You can't win the Premier League in a week, you have to do it over four months. It's a good tournament."
The first week of the competition will see Taylor face off against fellow Stoke thrower and current world champion Adrian Lewis, a clash the five-time Premier League winner is already relishing.
"To be honest they're all tough, but it will be a little bit extra special because he's the world champion. So I'm looking forward to that one, I'll be ready for him," Taylor said.
Lewis, who was known as a protege of Taylor when he first burst onto the scene, successfully defended his world title earlier in January despite being on the brink of elimination against James Wade in the semi-finals.

"I've been written off more times that Rocky Balboa and I've had more comebacks than Rocky Balboa."

Spirit

Taylor added: "He had his back against the wall a couple of times so he did very well to get out of that.
"He was 5-1 down against Wadey but he came back, showed a little bit of spirit and ended up winning. That's what you have to do."
But Taylor will also have to cope with the challenge of six more of the world's best players, including debutants Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton, the latter of which claimed the runner-up spot at the World Championship.
"It's good for them and good for their careers, it puts a few bob in the back pocket for them. They will enjoy it but they'll find it tough because it's every week - travelling week-in, week-out," he said.
"I think Paul (Nicholson) was unlucky to miss out, he would have been a good asset but maybe he'll get in next year."