PartyPoker.com Jocky Wilson Cup Preview
PHIL TAYLOR is hoping to lead England to glory in the inaugural Jocky Wilson Cup on Saturday night - and then dedicate the win to the Scottish darts legend.
Taylor and James Wade will take on leading Scottish pair Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton at the Braehead Arena on Saturday night, facing off in a format similar to Davis Cup tennis.
Anderson and Wade meet in the opening game before Taylor takes on Thornton, with the teams returning to the stage for a Doubles contest - over the 1001 distance - before playing two further Singles matches 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."
Thornton, the 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."
Berwick-born Anderson defeated Taylor to win the World Darts Trophy in Holland in 2007, and hopes that the Jocky Wilson Cup can bring another victory over the 14-time World Champion.
"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, 26, will open the night against Anderson, and said: "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!"
Jocky Wilson is unable to attend the event, having recently been released from hospital for treatment for a lung disease, but has recorded a special message which will be broadcast to the 3,000-strong Braehead Arena crowd on the night.
The Jocky Wilson Cup will be screened live from 7pm-10pm on Sky Sports 2 and also streamed live online outside the UK and Ireland through www.pdc.tv. Tickets are still available on 0844 277 6062 or from the Braehead Arena box office.
PartyPoker.com Jocky Wilson Cup - Schedule of Play
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor
Anderson & Thornton v Taylor & Wade (best of 11, 1001)
Robert Thornton v James Wade
Gary Anderson v Phil Taylor
Format
Best of 11 legs - no tie break, first to six.
Singles games, legs are 501. Doubles game is legs of 1001.
One point per singles win, two points per doubles win.
First team to four points
If match finishes 3-3, team with most 180s wins - if that^s a tie, team who hits first 180 wins