PHIL TAYLOR has admitted to feeling nervous on stage as he bids to return to winning ways in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.
Taylor has endured a tough start to this year's Premier League, losing three of his first four games.
Having previously gone through the opening three years of the Premier League unbeaten, Taylor - the sport's most successful ever player - admits his current lack of form is a concern.
"It's not for the lack of practice, but when I get up on stage I'm not doing what I can do," said the 13-time World Champion.
"I seem to be getting nervous on stage and that's something I have to deal with.
"Maybe I'm too respectful of the other players' abilities and I'm putting myself under pressure on stage.
"I've never had this to deal with this but I'll put it right."
Taylor has adopted a new design of darts this year, changing from a style he enjoyed unprecedented success with to a new, aerodynamically perfect set.
He takes on Wayne Mardle in a clash between the Premier League's bottom two players in Bournemouth this week, and added: "People say it's because I've changed my darts but they are fantastic - the best darts I've ever thrown.
"It's me, it's not the darts, it's just my ability.
"I missed a couple of finishes last week and Peter Manley didn't, and that's what's happening with me at the moment.
"People play well against you, which is what they are allowed to do, they put in the hard work just like I do.
"The game has gone so far that you have to have the full package now.
"You have to be physically fit as well as mentally fit and you have to work at the game, not just on the dartboard but off the dartboard as well.
"I do realise what I'm doing wrong and it's not going to happen overnight.
"Sometimes during a match I feel like crying, it's humiliating. But I've got to remember over the years that I've also done that to other players and you have to take it on the chin.
"I can't feel sorry for myself, I've got to get off my backside and put it right."
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week Five, BIC, Bournemouth
Adrian Lewis v Peter Manley
Phil Taylor v Wayne Mardle
James Wade v Raymond van Barneveld
John Part v Terry Jenkins
Live on Sky Sports One from 7.30pm on Thursday 28 February
Follow the action live in DartsTV, with Live Audio Commentary for subscribers and a Free Live Scoreboard, along with Highlights available from Friday evening
Click here to purchase the official 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts programme