Darts legend, Phil Taylor will play Barrie Bates in the first round of the Stan James World Matchplay tournament. Taylor is in great form already winning 2 events in America and is a red hot favourite to “clean up” in Blackpool. Bates though will be no pushover. He was runner-up in the 2006 UK Open although he has not had the success that many predicted.
Taylor is aiming for a record 11th World Matchplay title. Thirty two of the best darts players in the World will battle it out at the Empress Ballroom on July 17-25. Taylor will be a massive odds on favourite!