Adrian Lewis hoping to focus with England team-mate Phil Taylor at World Cup of Darts
Thursday 2 June 2016 13:50, UK
Adrian Lewis has conceded that playing doubles matches alongside Phil Taylor at the World Cup of Darts can be difficult to adjust to.
The unique competition is live on Sky Sports from Thursday until Sunday and England's Lewis and Taylor will enter as the defending champions - they meet Spain in the first round.
Despite an unrivalled three wins from five World Cups, Lewis claims that the doubles format can present problems.
You've got to try and focus - which can be hard, especially when Phil's behind you telling you to slow down!
He told the PDC: "It's hard to get into a rhythm, especially when you're playing a doubles match, but you've got to try and focus - which can be hard, especially when Phil's behind you telling you to slow down!
"I really enjoy it. Pairing up with Phil and playing for England is good and we've won it in three out of four years, so we've got a good record and hopefully we can retain the title.
"We always have fun and a lot of friendly banter with other teams but it's brilliant playing with Phil."
The World Cup offers darts' top names to renew acquaintances wearing the colours of their countries, having spent the past few months battling away in the Premier League.
Live World Cup of Darts
Gary Anderson, who will represent Scotland alongside Robert Thornton against New Zealand in the opening round, still recalls last year's painful defeat to England.
"It would be great to win the World Cup," said Anderson. "Adrian and Phil haven't let me forget that final for an entire year but the pressure will be on them and hopefully Robert and myself can come through.
"We won't be taking anything for granted against New Zealand though because it's a big chance for them and they'll want to produce a big upset against us."
World No 1 Michael van Gerwen is another obvious favourite to lift the trophy on Sunday - he teams with Raymond van Barneveld for the Netherlands, a duo that won the title two years ago, against Russia.
Van Gerwen said: "Winning this title two years ago was very special for me and Raymond and it would be fantastic if we can do that again this weekend.
"We'll focus first on the Russia game because we don't know what to expect and anything can happen in doubles matches, so we'll have to prepare well."
The World Cup of Darts begins on Thursday at 7pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.
