MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is tipping Phil Taylor to return to winning ways on the big stage, following their thrilling clash at the Unibet Masters on Sunday.
Van Gerwen edged past Taylor 11-10 in a superb semi-final at ArenaMK, but recovered from seeing the 16-time World Champion miss seven match darts to end his title defence.
While van Gerwen went on to recapture the Masters trophy, Taylor was left to reflect on a strong return to action as he used a new design of darts in competition for the first time as he defeated Jelle Klaasen and Peter Wright in Milton Keynes.
Taylor's form on the big stage during 2015 has been the subject of great debate throughout the sport, given the high standards he has set during an incredible career since claiming his first World Championship title 26 years ago.
Although he won World Series of Darts events in Japan, Perth and Sydney and partnered Adrian Lewis to a third World Cup of Darts title, Taylor has dropped to fourth in the world rankings - but van Gerwen is backing his rival to continue his revival.
"Phil had a good break and it was good for him, and I think he's going to have a really good year," said van Gerwen. "He's going to win tournaments again, trust me.
"He had a fantastic tournament and it's not only about averages but also his confidence. People write him off so many times but I never do."
Van Gerwen admits that Sunday's Masters triumph was ideal preparation for his Betway Premier League challenge, which kicks off on Thursday at the First Direct Arena in Leeds against James Wade.
Van Gerwen was the Premier League champion in his debut season in 2013 and has also finished at the top of the league table for three successive seasons, although Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson have defeated him in the last two finals.
"It's very tough but I won the league table for the last three years and I'm going for four years in a row," added the Dutchman.
"I need to make sure I'm ready for Thursday because it's going to be a tough game and I'm looking forward to it.
"James had a fantastic result [in Milton Keynes by reaching] the semi-finals but I need to make sure I'm going to play really well against him. My confidence is sky high."
* Tickets for Thursday's Betway Premier League at the First Direct Arena in Leeds are still available by calling 0844 248 1585 or online via www.eventim.co.uk.
Michael van Gerwen Video Interview