Wade confident of deposing Taylor

James Wade won the World Matchplay title in Blackpool in 2007

World number two James Wade has said that he is not scared of playing 14-time world champion Phil Taylor.

Wade, the 2009 Premier League winner, believes he can emulate Taylor and become the best player in the world.

"I need to prove that I can be the best," said Wade. "I'm not worried about anyone else that I play against from now on, even Phil Taylor.

"I want to enjoy my darts, which is what I should have done rather than worry about who I'm playing."

Wade, 26, lost 18-9 to Taylor in the 2008 World Matchplay final, one of three defeats that he suffered against the Stoke-on-Trent player in major televised finals in 2008.

After a confident victory over Gary Anderson in the second round of the Matchplay on Thursday, Wade thinks he is playing well enough to regain the title he won in 2007.

"There was so much pressure put on that game because all the pundits were saying it was going to be a great match, and it turned out to be an anti-climax in the end," added Wade.

"I won that game and didn't get out of third gear. Gary is the best scorer in the world, but I did what I do best - I finished well."

Taylor, 48, is aiming to win the World Matchplay for a tenth time in 2009.