Defending champion Phil Taylor has revealed that he is "loving the challenge" of trying to remain in the top few places of the PDC Order of Merit.
Taylor currently sits behind Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson in the standings after failing to win a ranking tournament, either on television or a floor event, in his last 12 attempts.
However, as he looks to defend his Grand Slam of Darts title, the Stoke-on-Trent thrower has said that he is happy with his recent form heading into the event.
The 55-year-old told PDC.TV: "I always enjoy the Grand Slam and I'm excited about this week. It's a different event because you've got a mix of players and the group games, and I can't wait to get out there.
"I'm playing well but one or two missed doubles are costing me at the moment - but that's a measure of how well everyone else is playing now. The standard's higher than it's ever been and I'm loving the challenge."
Taylor, who has won the event six times from eight attempts, starts his campaign with a clash with Martin Phillips on Saturday afternoon.
