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James Wade could be crowned as McCoy’s Premier League Champion for the second time, when the competition’s Play-Offs take place at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday evening, and ‘The Machine’ says he will be ready to face Phil Taylor in the semi-final.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade takes on Taylor in a repeat of the historic 2010 final, when two nine-darters from ‘The Power’ were the deciding factor in the match.

The last-four clash sees the PDC’s two most successful players go head to head, with Wade gunning for an eighth televised title on the night.

“I’ve got to win two games now but it’s not as simple as that because I’m playing Phil in the semis,” said Wade, the world number three. “Hopefully I’ll win the first one and then we’ll see what happens.

“I think it’s quite clear that Phil does something special against me and prepares perhaps even a little bit differently.

“If I can beat him in the semi-finals then hopefully I’ll have a good game in the final – but I’ve got to try and beat Phil first. I’m being positive about it and not frightened by playing him.”

15-time World Champion Taylor admitted that Wade is always one of his toughest opponents.

“Against James, you know you’re in for a good game,” ‘The Power told the PDC website. “The time I beat him in the final, I nearly hit three nine-darters and only won 10-8.

“He’s such a good player that he’s predictable and you know you’re in for a tough fight, so you might as well just relax and get on with it.”

By Chris Murphy

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