Power on for League opener

Taylor fit to face Whitlock inside the O2

Last updated: 11th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Power on for League opener

Taylor: Fit and ready

I'm still not 100 percent, but I'll be giving it everything I've got against Simon.

Phil Taylor
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Four-time champion Phil Taylor has declared himself fit to face Simon Whitlock in the opening night of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League.

The 15-time world champion and hot favourite had been rated as doubtful for the match after being laid low for much of the week with a virus.

However, he has passed himself fit and ready to face Australian Whitlock in what will be a rematch of the 2010 World Championship final played out in front of up to 10,000 fans inside the O2.

"It's not been ideal preparation but I'm looking forward to playing now," said Taylor. "I'm still not 100 percent, but I'll be giving it everything I've got against Simon.

"He was brilliant at the World Championship and has won a couple of events in Australia this year already, so I know the size of the task - but I really want this title back and the journey starts here."

Fan-favourites Ronnie Baxter and Terry Jenkins will kick off the new season, with 2009 runner-up Mervyn King meeting Sky Sports Wildcard Adrian Lewis in the second game.

The third match of the night will see reigning champion James Wade begin the defence of his title against Holland's world number two Raymond van Barneveld.