Taylor is facing a hard start, warns Van Barneveld

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Taylor faces 18-year-old Michael van Gerwen, the former World Masters champion and one of the best young players in the game, at the Alexandra Palace.

Thumbs up: Van Barneveld is backing his fellow Dutchman to upset Taylor

Van Gerwen's fellow Dutchman Van Barneveld said: 'If Michael hits what he can do, it is going to be a very good match. Michael is pleased with the draw.'

Taylor said: 'The youngsters keep me on my toes but whenever I have had tough first round matches I have always gone on to win the title.'

Van Barneveld beat Taylor 7-6 in a sudden-death leg to win the world championships in January in one of the best matches in history — and he is hoping for a repeat of that final.

Van Barneveld said: 'At Wimbledon, everyone used to hope for a Bjorn Borg v John McEnroe final and it is the same with darts. The two best players in the world at this time playing each other in the final would be great for everyone.'

England's Alan Tabern, who reached the quarter-finals last year, won the opening match of the Championships on Monday night when he beat Denmark's Per Laursen 3-1.