PHIL TAYLOR has spoken of his admiration for Mervyn King ahead of their clash in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts in Aberdeen.
The duo share the top two places in the Premier League table heading into week 12 of this season, and are on a collision course to meet in this year's final at the Wembley Arena next month.
That would give Taylor his chance to avenge a semi-final loss to King last season, when he failed to claim the title for the first time since the Premier League's inception in 2005.
However, Taylor has stated his admiration for King ahead of their clash in front of a sell-out crowd at the AECC on Thursday.
"He's having a brilliant season and I'm very much looking forward to the game," said Taylor. "Mervyn is one of the most dedicated players, if not the most dedicated player, I've seen during my career.
"He does everything right, is very one-track minded in how me approaches the game and he doesn't mess around - he just gets on with his job and does things right."
While Taylor's form dipped after he won a 15th World Championship title in the New Year, the world number one feels that he is returning to top form at present - just in time for the crucial summer period.
"I'm getting back to my best," he said. "The first three or four months of the year isn't as important as the rest in terms of prize money.
"You're playing in the Premier League and getting lots of match practice but from now onwards it's more serious.
"It's time to start producing the goods because there's big money on offer. You've got the Premier League play-offs coming up and then the UK Open and World Matchplay."
A limited number of tickets for Thursday's Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts are still available, priced at £20, from the AECC on 08444 77 9000 or via www.aecc.co.uk.
Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week 12 - AECC, Aberdeen
Ronnie Baxter v James Wade
Mervyn King v Phil Taylor
Raymond van Barneveld v Terry Jenkins
Simon Whitlock v Adrian Lewis
Watch live on Sky Sports HD 1 from 7pm
Fans outside of the UK & Ireland can watch live in PDCtv - click here for further information
Sky Bet Match Odds
Ronnie Baxter 4/1, Draw 9/2, James Wade 2/5
Mervyn King 6/1, Draw 9/2, Phil Taylor 2/7
Raymond van Barneveld 11/10, Draw 4/1, Terry Jenkins 11/8
Simon Whitlock 5/6, Draw 7/2, Adrian Lewis 2/1
Odds courtesy Sky Bet, the official bookmaker of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts, and correct at 12pm Wednesday April 28.
Click here to visit Sky Bet