Phil Taylor has insisted that he expects a tough battle when he opens up his World Matchplay campaign against Mervyn King.
The 15-time world champion recently lost in the final of the UK Open to Robert Thornton, and despite starting as the pre-tournament favourite, he acknowledges that King will provide a difficult opening match.
"It is always a big challenge playing Mervyn and he has started to return to form," Taylor told Sky Sports News.
"We have had some great battles in the past and I am sure that this will be another one."
The World Matchplay begins at the Winter Gardens on Saturday night.
