Phil Taylor finds the Premier League a bonus

The 16-time world champion is one of an eight-man star studded cast that will toe the oche at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham tonight.

The PDC tournament, sponsored by online gambling giants Betway, has just three dates left before the top four players qualify for May's play-offs.

Taylor holds off world No 1 Michael van Gerwen by two points going into play and is first on just after 7pm against Peter Wright, writes Craig Birch.

Nothing but wins will do for seventh-placed Wright, who takes on 'the Power' and later reigning world champion Gary Anderson as he doubles up.

Taylor has his eyes on another prize, too, with a cool £25,000 bonus on offer for the player who leads the standings at the end of the 15-week regular season.

He told the Express & Star: "I've done alright in the Premier League this year, I have been pleasantly surprised with my form and I'm enjoying being a part of it.

"I'm first on tonight, Peter has got to play twice but I think he's about snookered for getting to the finals, to be honest with you.

"I don't think he can do it now, but I'm right in there and I'll be having a good at winning the title again. It's been a four-year wait now.

"It will take a good player to beat me, at the moment, that's for sure. I'm feeling like it's starting to all come together for me again.

"The weeks are just flying by, we are coming into May and heading towards the business end of the year. This is the first target for me."

The schedule also sees Anderson, current Premier League as well as world titlist, play twice. He takes on Raymond van Barneveld in the second game.

Adrian Lewis, who hit a nine-dart finish when the competition was in Belfast, Northern Ireland earlier this month, follows against Robert Thornton.

Van Gerwen, who turned 27 this week, will be looking to keep the pressure on Taylor when he looks to reverse his defeat on the opening Premier League night to James Wade.

Wright and Anderson then close out proceedings for the evening, live in front of the Sky Sports cameras and a healthy crowd of darts enthusiasts at the Barclaycard Arena.

Tickets for tonight's event are still available by calling 0844 338 8000 or online via www.theticketfactory.com.

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