Michael van Gerwen admits Phil Taylor is still the 'greatest' ahead of Premier League showdown
Friday 18 March 2016 07:14, UK
Michael van Gerwen admits Phil Taylor is the 'greatest' but insists all the pressure will be on 'The Power' in their Premier League clash.
Premier League leader Van Gerwen will take on the second-placed Taylor in an eagerly awaited showdown this Thursday night in Glasgow, live on Sky Sports.
The Dutchman's recent dazzling form, which includes a record-breaking average of 124 in the Premier League, has led to fresh debate about whether he can become the best player ever.
Offering his own opinion, Van Gerwen insists Taylor, a 16-time world champion, will always be recognised as the sport's finest champion, but admits his recent winning record could give him a psychological edge against the 55-year-old.
I think I'm the best darts player at the moment, but Phil is the greatest player who's ever lived and he's still a fantastic player.
"I think I'm the best darts player at the moment, but Phil is the greatest player who's ever lived and he's still a fantastic player," said van Gerwen.
"I know I'm the No 1 in the world and people will say the pressure's on me, but the pressure is on him - or he will put the pressure on himself because I know Phil Taylor.
"I don't have a point to prove, I think Phil has a point to prove because I've beaten him the last few times on television. He's the greatest who ever lived in darts.
"Myself and Phil is probably the best game and I hope we can both play really well. Phil is the greatest player who ever lived but I think I'm playing the best darts that have ever been thrown and I'm showing some fantastic performances."
Van Gerwen has won six successive televised games against Taylor since August 2014, although Taylor missed match darts in their Masters semi-final in January and also led in both November's Grand Slam final and the recent UK Open semi-final.
"I can't wait, I'm really looking forward to it and he's in for a game," said Taylor. "I'm close to Michael, getting closer and closer, and I'm not going to keep missing doubles.
"I missed doubles in a few games and he hasn't. I've got to be more ruthless. I'll keep pushing him and I think probably I'm one of only two or three players who can give him a good game so he's in for a treat.
"What do I think about Michael's averages? Unbelievable. His ability is fantastic, but everybody's ability is good - it's his concentration and his aggression that's getting him through, and he doesn't think he's going to miss a double. I think once I get him, he's in for a massive battle."
Watch Premier League Darts on Thursday live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV.
