World Darts Championship: Phil Taylor begins his bid for a 17th title at Alexandra Palace
Saturday 19 December 2015 21:36, UK
Phil Taylor will start his pursuit of a 17th title on day three of the World Darts Championship, live on Sky Sports.
During his glittering darts career, Taylor previously enjoyed a dominant reign in the tournament, but the 55-year-old is enduring a barren run ahead of his first appearance at Alexandra Palace.
Taylor's last world title triumph came back in 2013 and he is without a major trophy this year, but 'The Power' will be expected to make short work of his opening opponent.
The winner of the preliminary clash between Keita Ono or Alex Tagarao will face Taylor in the closing match of the night.
Earlier in the evening session, 2010 finalist Simon 'The Wizard' Whitlock has been pitted against Ricky Evans, while Vincent van der Voort, one of the faster throwers on the circuit, will take on Laurence Ryder.
Live World Darts Championship
Ian 'Diamond' White will kick-off his campaign in the afternoon when he faces young Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh.
Steve Beaton, a former Lakeside champion, will be hoping to produce a vintage performance against New Zealand's Koha Kokiri.
In the closing encounter of the afternoon, Kevin Painter will await the winner of the preliminary match between Kim Viljanen and Sven Groen.
Live World Darts Championship
Saturday December 19:
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
Kim Viljanen v Sven Groen (P)
Steve Beaton v Koha Kokiri
Ian White v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Kevin Painter v Viljanen/Groen
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Keita Ono v Alex Tagarao (P)
Simon Whitlock v Ricky Evans
Vincent van der Voort v Laurence Ryder
Phil Taylor v Ono/Tagarao
