Phil Taylor gives the PDC some fan 'power'

Over 300 punters felt 'the Power' at the city's Cleveland Arms pub last night, on the eve of the ninth annual tournament starting at Wolverhampton Civic Hall.

Taylor opens his defence of a Grand Slam crown he's won six times against Martin Phillips this afternoon, live on Sky Sports, and is in good spirits, writes Craig Birch.

He was joined by the man he beat in last year's final, Dave Chisnall, and BDO world titlist Scott Mitchell for a show hosted by Sky Sports commentator Nigel Pearson, who lives in Wombourne.

The 16-time world champion, now 55, still lives in Stoke-on-Trent and always goes back to the Potteries after his matches at the Civic.

But 'the Pele of Darts' loves his Black Country fans and feels more than comfortable with his surroundings when he takes to the oche.

He said: "We play more tournaments than ever these days, so there's a lot of travelling and living out of suitcases. That's why I go home when I'm here.

"This is local for me, it's pretty much down the road and they are proper people. They are honest and working class, which is just what I like.

"I'm ready to go now and it always seems to come together for me in the Grand Slam, which is perfect just before the World Championship.

"We've had a bit of a fun with the fans, now it's time to get down to the serious business."

Taylor has dominated most of the eight previous tournaments at the Civic, with Chisnall back in town having gone down fighting 16-13 in the decider last year. Mitchell debuts by virtue of his Lakeside win in January.

They took part in a question and answer session last night, with Taylor saying: "I always enjoy the Grand Slam and I'm excited about this week.

"It's a different event because you've got a mix of players and the group games, and I can't wait to get out there.

"I'm playing well but one or two missed doubles are costing me at the moment - but that's a measure of how well everyone else is playing now.

"The standard's higher than it's ever been and I'm loving the challenge."

Tickets for the Grand Slam, sponsored by Singha Beer, are still available by calling 0870 320 7000 or by visiting www.wolvescivic.co.uk.