Taylor is powering up for a European nap hand (From Crewe Guardian)

Taylor is powering up for a European nap hand

3:38pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in Sport

PHIL Taylor will be bidding to win a fifth successive PartyPoker.net European Championship this weekend as he prepares to face Sweden’s Magnus Caris as the tournament kicks off in Muelheim, Germany tonight (Thursday).

Taylor has been at his imperious best in the previous four stagings of the European Championship was introduced to the PDC circuit in 2008, twice defeating Adrian Lewis and also seeing off Steve Beaton and Wayne Jones in the final.

The world number one begins the defence of his title in front of the ESPN cameras against Swedish number one Magnus Caris tonight when the £200,000 tournament begins at the RWE Sporthalle in Muelheim, Germany, and is determined to extend his run of success.

Former Crewe resident Taylor said: “It’s a great tournament and I'm really looking forward to getting started on Thursday night.

“The fans in Germany are great and create a brilliant atmosphere, and I’ve enjoyed the previous European Championships.

“I’ve had a nice break this summer and I'm keen to get back up there on stage. I know it will be tough against Magnus because he's been a quality player for years.”