THIRTEEN-TIME world darts champion Phil Taylor drops into Swindon next month to take on local darts players - and ‘The Power’ says he will use the exhibition to get in shape to win a record-breaking 14th crown.

Taylor will take on the town’s top darts players at Stratton’s Premier Club on Saturday, December 6 and although he admits it will be a nice break from fierce competition, ‘The Power’ claims he will not be holding back against the locals.

“It is going to be fun,” said Taylor, who has just been crowned European Champion after winning the championships in Frankfurt at the start of the month.

“It will be a nice break from the old routine, like a busman’s holiday for me. I am looking forward to it and I’ll be in the middle of preparations for the World Championships so I’ll use it to get ready for that.

“I won’t be holding back or expecting to lose so it will be interesting to see how good Swindon’s players are.”

Taylor has visited Swindon numerous times playing in pubs like the Rodbourne Arms and he says he has fond memories of his trips in the town.

He said: “I came to Swindon a few years back and there were some good county players. I also remember Swindon had the News of the World champion and he gave me a really good game.”

The current world number one says he is hoping for another tough test when he visits the Premier Club, adding: “It will be interesting to see what standard the players are this year.

“It was a good standard when I was here before and I expect it will have got better. I’m looking forward to being given a run for my money.”

The event in Swindon will see local teams having a play-off with six lucky winners playing a leg of 501 with Taylor, in what is his last working date before the World Championships.

There will be a raffle on the night with the winers getting to play the remaining games with ‘The Power’. He will also be on hand to have his pitcure taken with fans and for autographs.

Tickets cost £12.50 and can be purchased from: The Premier Club, The Swiss Chalet. Greenbridge MOT Centre, or by calling Sandra on: 07921 706430 / 01249 659912.