Phil Taylor expects tough test against Mervyn King

Phil Taylor has insisted that he expects a tough battle when he opens up his World Matchplay campaign against Mervyn King.

The 15-time world champion recently lost in the final of the UK Open to Robert Thornton, and despite starting as the pre-tournament favourite, he acknowledges that King will provide a difficult opening match.

"It is always a big challenge playing Mervyn and he has started to return to form," Taylor told Sky Sports News.