Phil Taylor is hoping to win the Premier League for a record sixth time

Darts legend Phil Taylor has told BBC Radio Stoke that he is not planning to take a two-year break from the sport.

But the 15-times world champion, from Stoke-on-Trent, has admitted that he is feeling the effects of competing at the top level for the last 25 years.

"What I needed was a couple of weeks off and a bit of rest," said Taylor.

"I've had a lot of personal problems at home but I've had to sort myself out. Anybody will tell you, you have your problems and things take their toll."

The 50-year-old was speaking after beating Mark Webster 8-5 in Nottingham, his first win in the Premier League this year.

"It's a mental game and if you're not mentally right you're not going to win," continued Taylor.

"I'm 50 and I've been doing it for 25 years, but the thing with me is that if you knock me down, I'll come back stronger.

"I don't like being beaten and I felt humiliated last week (after losing 8-2 to Adrian Lewis in London).

"Now you've got a little scrapper on your hands, now I've got the hump and I think you're going to see the best of Phil Taylor over the next 12 months."

Taylor gained revenge for his PDC World Championship defeat by Webster in January, despite the Welshman taking out finishes of 170 and 160.

"He's one of the best young players I've seen in a long, long time," said Taylor. "You put him under tremendous pressure and he seems to hit the shots when he needs to."

Current PDC world champion Lewis was defeated 8-6 by an inspired James Wade, who sealed victory with a 136 checkout.

"You take the rough with the smooth," Lewis told BBC Radio Stoke. "I didn't perform too badly.

"I think I had an average of over 100 again, which shows me a lot of consistency.

"Next week will be another tough game but I'll be there fighting again."

Gary Anderson leads the table as the only player with two victories from two matches, after beating Terry Jenkins 8-4.

Raymond van Barneveld signalled his return to form in the evening's other match, beating former PDC World Championship runner-up Simon Whitlock 8-3.

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