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Praise for Smith is Taylor-made

16/ 1/2003

PHIL `The Power' Taylor rolled into Irlam on Monday night for his first game since losing the PDC World title.

And the 10-times champion confessed that when he toed the oche against Irlam & Cadishead League title-holder Graham Smith for an exhibition game - it was he who had butterflies in his stomach!

Speaking exclusively to Advertiser Sport, Phil thanked his hosts, Irlam Steel Club and night sponsors Irlam & Cadishead Cars.

He told us: "It was fantastic, I was treated like a king. The place was absolutely choc-a-bloc so I was a little bit nervous - especially as it was my first appearance after losing in the World Championships. I thought I was going to get a little bit of stick but everyone was great and I really enjoyed myself."

Phil made sure there was no repeat of his shock defeat by Canadian John Part - he ran out a comfortable victor over Smith on Monday - but Potteries-born Taylor said he was a worthy opponent. He told us: "He was very good, but I've played him before and I remember him - forewarned is forearmed!

"I don't think I've ever worked so hard on my game since the championships. When you get beat it's like a kick up the backside, and when you get a kick up the backside it hurts!"

Phil said darts is on its way back to the big time after a lapse in viewing figures forced the likes of Eric Bristow, Jocky Wilson and John Lowe off our screens in the early 90s.

"It's always been a little bit of scale between snooker and darts where people get sick of one and start watching the other. But people are starting to enjoy darts again."