Phil Taylor looking forward to Premier League encounter with Gary Anderson in Dublin
Saturday 20 February 2016 22:06, UK
Phil Taylor is relishing his Premier League clash with Gary Anderson after admitting he received a 'kick up the backside'.
The six-time champion started his campaign with a lacklustre defeat against the Dutchman, but averaged 111 in a vintage 7-1 win over James Wade on night two of the competition in Newcastle.
Taylor will next face defending champion Anderson on Thursday night in Dublin, live on Sky Sports, and believes he is firmly back on track after being stung into life by the Van Barneveld loss.
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"The defeat against Raymond was a kick up the backside that I needed, but last week was a fantastic result for me and I want to keep pushing forward now," said Taylor.
"It's going to be brilliant and Gary will be ready for it. I've been doing everything right and it's just a matter of getting up there and doing it on the dartboard.
"Now that I'm playing properly and I've got my equipment right, I can't wait and I'm really looking forward to it."
Michael van Gerwen also ended with a 111 average after last week's dazzling 7-3 win over Anderson and takes on Adrian Lewis, the early league leader, at the 3Arena.
The world No 1 had a 70 per cent success rate on the doubles against Anderson and plans to ruthlessly punish any lapses of concentration from Lewis.
"The crowds in Dublin are great and I really like to play there," said Van Gerwen. "It will be a good game and I hope I can continue my form because my confidence is high at the moment and I know what I can do.
"Adrian is a fantastic talent but sometimes he can let his focus go a little bit and then you need to take advantage, and that's what I'll be looking to do. Hopefully we'll both have won two out of three by the end of the night!"
But Lewis is in confident mood after adding his second win of the competition against Dave Chisnall.
"Michael has been the best player in the world for the last couple of years in my opinion," said Lewis. "It means everything when you play him and I'm looking forward to it.
"I can't ask for any more with my form and that showed in patches last week. I'm feeling good and if somebody beats me then they're going to have to play really well."
Watch night three of the Premier League on Sky Sports 1, starting at 7pm. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
