TAYLOR FOCUSING ON TENTH BODOG.COM WORLD GRAND PRIX TITLE
PHIL TAYLOR set his sights on a tenth Bodog.com World Grand Prix title next month as the event was launched at a packed Dublin Press conference on Tuesday.
The world number one will defend his title in the double-start tournament at the Citywest Hotel from October 4-10, with the tournament being shown live on Sky Sports HD.
Having won 15 World Championships and 11 World Matchplay titles, another World Grand Prix win would see him reach double figures in victories in a third major tournament - a feat unrivalled in the sport^s history.
"I try not to think too much about records but to win a tenth World Grand Prix would be very special," said Taylor, who turned 50 last month.
"I^ve had a lot of success in the tournament, as well as some bad memories with three first round defeats!
"The double-start format is a great challenge and you have to be on your game all the time because the format^s short early on and if I^m honest I^m always nervous going into the first round."
Taylor will find out his first round opponent when the draw takes place next Tuesday, with the final two qualifying events taking place in Holland this weekend.
The world^s top 16 qualify by right, and are joined by the leading four Irish or Northern Irish players and 12 other qualifiers for the £350,000 tournament.
Taylor, though, is leaving no stone unturned in his bid for the £100,000 first prize, which would see him win a third successive title.
"I^ve changed my lifestyle this year and it^s paying off for me now," said Taylor, who has lost over three stones in weight this year and recently employed a nutritionist and fitness trainer.
"I^ve just turned 50 and I know that it^s more important than ever for me to take my preparation seriously, but I^m loving it at the moment.
"I^m probably playing the best darts of my career, but that^s the result of 25 years of experimenting and trying new things. I^ve changed a lot and it^s all coming together."
Taylor has been made the 4/9 favourite for the Bodog.com World Grand Prix, with Australian Simon Whitlock the 9/1 second favourite and Raymond van Barneveld - the runner-up in the last two years - alongside 2007 champion James Wade at 10/1.
Young Irishman William O^Connor is expected to make his World Grand Prix debut in the event, and has been made a 200/1 outsider with Bodog.com - although Taylor is tipping the Cappamore newcomer to impress.
"I^ve seem William a few times this year and he looks like an exciting prospect," said Taylor. "He played in UK Open a few months ago and did well on stage, so that won^t faze him in Dublin and he^ll have the support of the crowd.
"He^s getting plenty of experience in the Players Championship events and he won^t be scared of anyone on stage - I hope I don^t draw him!"
The Bodog.com World Grand Prix will be played from October 4-10 at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, and screened live on Sky Sports HD.
Tickets for the Bodog.com World Grand Prix cost from €20 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased from www.ticketgroup.ieor via 00353 (0) 818 33 33 44.