PHIL TAYLOR has declared himself fit to face Simon Whitlock in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts on Thursday.
Taylor had been rated as doubtful for the match after being laid low for much of the week with a virus, and missed Wednesday's launch of the event at The O2 in London.
However, he is well enough to travel from his home near Crewe on Thursday morning for the journey to London, and will play against Whitlock as the 2010 Premier League Darts kicks off on Thursday night.
"It's not been ideal preparation but I'm looking forward to playing now," said Taylor. "I'm still not 100 percent, but I'll be giving it everything I've got against Simon.
"He was brilliant at the World Championship and has won a couple of events in Australia this year already, so I know the size of the task - but I really want this title back and the journey starts here."
The meeting between Taylor and Whitlock will be the fourth of the opening night, which is expected to attract a crowd of up to 10,000 fans at The O2.
Ronnie Baxter and Terry Jenkins will kick off the new season, with 2009 runner-up Mervyn King meeting Sky Sports Wildcard Adrian Lewis in the second game.
The third match of the night will see reigning Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion James Wade begin the defence of his title against Holland's world number two Raymond van Barneveld.
Coverage of the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts is live in the UK in High Definition on Sky Sports, while coverage will also be screened live in Australia via Fox Sports as Whitlock becomes his country's first representative in the event.
International viewers are also able to watch in Holland as well as online through the PDC's official website, www.pdc.tv.
Click here for a Photo Gallery from the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Launch
2010 Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts
Week One
February 11 - The O2, London
Ronnie Baxter v Terry Jenkins
Mervyn King v Adrian Lewis
Raymond van Barneveld v James Wade
Simon Whitlock v Phil Taylor
Tickets: 0844 856 0202 or www.theo2.co.uk
Tickets for the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at The O2 in London are still available - call 0844 856 0202 or visit www.theo2.co.uk for further information.
Click here for full Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Ticket Information