KEVIN PAINTER is relishing the chance to lock horns with long-standing rival Phil Taylor when the McCoy's Premier League Darts visits Aberdeen on Thursday.
Painter made a brilliant start to his Premier League Darts career last Thursday by defeating reigning champion Gary Anderson 8-6 at the Manchester Arena.
The Cash Converters Players Championship winner's tough opening continues as he meets the 15-time World Champion and five-time Premier League Darts winner Taylor at the AECC on Thursday.
The pair have enjoyed several memorable tussles since their first meeting at the World Grand Prix in 2000, notably the classic World Championship final of 2004 which saw Painter lead 4-1 before eventually being defeated in a sudden-death leg.
"Phil's got a great record against me," said Painter. "I think I beat him the second time I ever played him [at the 2001 World Grand Prix] and I haven't beaten him for ten years since!
"We've had some great games and he always, always plays well against me. He tells me that it's out of respect and he knows that if he doesn't play well I'll beat him.
"I'm looking forward to two games against him and maybe the Premier League will see the record change."
Painter picked up a victory on his Premier League Darts debut a week ago in Manchester, taking a 5-0 lead against Anderson and, after the Scot hit back to level at six-all, winning the final two legs to seal a narrow 8-6 win.
"Last week was a bit of a blur," he admitted. "Everything went very quickly, but I got the win and I'm happy to get the two points.
"I'll have to be better against Phil than I was last week if I'm going to get anything out of the game, but I'm practising well and hope I can take that into Thursday night now."
McCoy's Premier League Darts
Week Two
February 16 - AECC, Aberdeen
Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld
Gary Anderson v Andy Hamilton
Phil Taylor v Kevin Painter
Simon Whitlock v James Wade
Tickets: Sold Out
Click here for McCoy's Premier League Darts Night One Gallery
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