Time, gentlemen please: Gayl King leads the women's charge

As well as all his old adversaries, Taylor could come up against a less familiar opponent in the shape of Canada's Gayl King.

When she steps up to the oche on Friday afternoon, King will make history by becoming the first woman player ever to appear on the Circus Tavern stage.

Her first round match pits the 36-year-old against world number 29 Graeme Stoddart of Newcastle, but King insists she won't be there just to make up the numbers.

"I'm very proud and thrilled, " she said. "It's fantastic. I hope that I can do well in the first round, whether I win or lose."

Of her opponent, she conceded: "I don't know much about him.

"But the closer it gets to the tournament, the more confidence I have. My darts are going pretty good right now, and I feel like I can hopefully do something.

"I got into darts a long, long time ago. I don't even remember how but I picked them up and started playing and I've been playing both males and females.

Big weight

"So it's nothing really new to me to play men because I play in a league in Edmonton where I play guys. I don't do too bad against them actually."

Priestley could pose the biggest threat to Taylor

King added: "I am positive I am going to be really nervous. I just hope my darts are there and that I can do the job.

"It's a big weight because I'm going out there and playing for women and ladies' darts everywhere.

"If I can get my head around it and get over that part of it and just get up there and play my game I think I'll do okay."

King may divert some of the attention from Taylor, but most people believe the rest are playing for second prize.

One player capable of causing an upset is last year's beaten finalist Dennis Priestley.

The fifth seed meets former BDO champion Keith Deller in the first round and cannot wait to get started.

"I am really looking forward to it. It is a tough opener. But we have played many times before, and I do not think I have ever lost to him on television."

Deller believes he is in with a good shout, though, and warned his rivals to write him off at their peril.

He said: "It is a tough opener for both Dennis and me, but I think that I have a good chance of winning.

Keith Deller believes he has a good chance this year

"I am playing well and have missed Phil Taylor in the draw, so I think I have got a very good opportunity."

Two more former world champions making an appearance on Thursday were John Lowe and Richie Burnett.

Another player to watch out for is Ireland's Shayne Burgess, who was convincingly beaten by Taylor in the World Grand Prix final in October.

Burgess is the second favourite for the title at 6-1, with Taylor's odds a meagre 2-5.