Phil Taylor wants to lead England to victory in the Jocky Wilson Cup - and then dedicate the win to the Scottish darts legend.
World numbers one and three teaming up for Jocky Wilson Cup
Phil Taylor wants to lead England to victory in the inaugural Jocky Wilson Cup on Saturday - and then dedicate the win to the Scottish darts legend.
Taylor and James Wade head north of the border to take on Scottish pair Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton at Glasgow's Braehead Arena on Saturday night, with the competition's format similar to that used in Davis Cup tennis.
The opening singles contests see Anderson play Wade before Taylor takes on Thornton, with the teams then returning for a doubles contest over the 1001 distance.
Two further singles matches will then be played over the best of 11 legs.
"I played pairs with Jocky for three or four years," said Taylor. "He was a great lad but a bit unpredictable - he'd either hit it or he didn't, and he was very erratic.
"He was funny to play with but probably one of the hardest players to play against, because you just didn't know what he was going to do.
"It would be great to win on Saturday and dedicate the victory to him in his own country."
Legend
Thornton, who finished runner-up in January's Players Championship Finals, said: "Jocky was a legend and I loved watching him when he was World Champion.
"To play on stage against England in Glasgow will probably be the highlight of my career so far, and I can't wait for it."
Anderson defeated Taylor to win the World Darts Trophy in Holland two years ago and hopes for a repeat performance against the 14-time World Champion on Saturday.
"I love the challenge of playing Phil and James because they have set the standard we're all trying to match," said Anderson.
"It will be extra special playing Phil in Scotland and hopefully the crowd will be right behind Robert and myself."
He added: "I remember watching Jocky on TV with my dad as a youngster but I've never met him, and it will be very special to play for Scotland against England in his name."
World number three Wade added: "I never really got the chance to see Jocky playing at his best but it's an honour to be competing in the Jocky Wilson Cup.
"The game with Gary could set the tone for the night so it's important to play well against him, but I'm really looking forward to the whole night.
"I've never played a big Doubles game on stage before like we will on Saturday and that should be great - it will make a difference to be playing with Phil Taylor for once!"
Message
Wilson is unable to attend the event, having recently been released from hospital for treatment for a lung disease.
However, he has recorded a special message which will be broadcast to the 3,000-strong crowd on the night.
