• World Darts Championship

Van Gerwen: You need to play at 110% to beat Taylor

ESPN staff
December 26, 2012
Michael van Gerwen says Phil Taylor is beatable © PA Photos
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Michael van Gerwen believes Phil Taylor is still the man to beat at the World Darts Championship, but insists the top seed is not invincible.

Taylor is looking for a 16th title at Alexandra Palace, but his first since 2010. Adrian Lewis is the two-time defending champion, but Van Gerwen says Taylor will be the toughest opponent anyone is likely to face.

Taylor powered past Robert Thornton on Sunday and will now meet Andy Hamilton in the quarter-finals on Friday. He is on the opposite side of the draw to Van Gerwen so will only meet him in the final.

The Dutchman recently beat Taylor at the Grand Slam of Darts, but he knows he would have to be at his best if he is to repeat the feat in London.

"If he's not at his top level people can beat him, it's as simple as that," he told Sky Sports. "You always need to prepare yourself well to play Phil Taylor, you need to play at 110 per cent if you want to beat him, otherwise you won't [win]. His top (level) is so high that you will never beat him easily."

Van Gerwen will face Colin Lloyd on Thursday looking to join Taylor in the last-eight, but the Dutchman is refusing to look beyond his next match.

"I like playing Colin Lloyd, he's a fantastic player and he was No. 1 in the world for a couple of years. I have a lot of respect for him because he's won so many tournaments," he said.

"But in the last few games I've beaten him and I have a good record against him so I hope I can use that in the next match."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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