PHIL TAYLOR is hoping to emulate the achievement of Ronnie O'Sullivan when the 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts gets underway on Thursday.
Taylor has never been defeated in Premier League Darts since the tournament began in 2005, winning the first three years of the event.
Taylor is hoping that this year's event will see him equal the record of Ronnie O'Sullivan, who has picked up four successive Premier League Snooker titles.
"To win a fourth straight title is a massive goal of mine," said Taylor, who opens his account against Premier League debutant James Wade in Glasgow.
"The Premier League is a huge event now and the crowds are absolutely brilliant, and it's very special that I've remained unbeaten for three years.
"This will be the hardest competition ever, but I'm really up for it and looking forward to getting started."
Taylor has not played competitively since a quarter-final defeat to Wayne Mardle in the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship a month ago.
"I've been practising really hard," he added. "It's been lonely at times but I'm really looking forward to getting back out there.
"I'm very excited about the next couple of years and this tournament is a big chance for me to start the year with a bang!"
"Refreshed"
Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld has joined Taylor in taking a break from competitive following a disappointing third round exit to Kevin Painter at the World Championship.
The Dutchman enjoyed a holiday to Dubai (pictured right, with wife Silvia) ahead of his opening clash against Wayne Mardle in Glasgow.
"I needed a break but I'm refreshed now," he said. "I can't wait to play my first game against Wayne in Glasgow.
"This is my third year in the Premier League and I'm determined to make the final! I've had two semi-final defeats before but really want to win this.
"It's going to be hard work every week but I'm proud to be a part of this competition."
Van Barneveld and Mardle kick off the 2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League, with last year's runner-up Terry Jenkins facing Adrian Lewis in the night's second match at the sold-out SECC.
"This is the top eight players in the world and every game is really hard," said Jenkins. "Everyone's capable of beating each other and I can't wait to get up there and get on with it."
World Champion John Part makes his return to Premier League Darts in game three, when he meets Peter Manley - who joins Taylor as one of the two ever-presents from all three years of the tournament.
"I'm proud to have been in for the last three years and this tournament is the biggest thing any darts player can compete in now," said Manley. "I'm really looking forward to it."
Taylor's clash with Wade makes up the final game of the evening, with all matches over the best of 14 legs - with the first player to eight legs deemed the winner or the two league points being shared for a seven-all draw.
"Hottest Ticket"
The eight stars attended a media launch at the SECC on Thursday, with PDC Chairman Barry Hearn adding: "Nothing compares to a night at the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts.
"This is more than just a soap opera with sport thrown in! This is the best atmosphere at any sporting event anywhere and this includes the eight greatest players in the world bar none.
"It's the hottest ticket in town and we're ready to rock'n'roll!"
All matches will be shown live on Sky Sports One, with the action commencing at 7.30pm.
2008 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Night One, SECC, Glasgow
Raymond van Barneveld v Wayne Mardle
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins
Peter Manley v John Part
Phil Taylor v James Wade
Live on Sky Sports One, 7.30pm