WORLD CHAMPION Adrian Lewis has a double incentive at the Betfair World Matchplay, knowing that triumph in Blackpool next week would see him take over as world number one.
Taylor has topped the PDC Order of Merit for the past four years since moving above Raymond van Barneveld in June 2008.
However, should he fail to defend his World Matchplay title as he aims for triumph in a fifth successive year in Blackpool, Lewis has the chance to take over as world number one for the first time in his career.
"If I can win the World Matchplay I'll go to world number one, so it's a big incentive for me," said the 27-year-old two-time World Champion. "I set myself goals all the time and this is a goal for me this week.
"I don't think I was best at my last year in Blackpool, even though I reached the semis.
"I was winning games but I was a bit patchy and my game wasn't 100 percent right, but this year I've got a big incentive and I'll be giving it my all this week to try and win it.
"To be the World Champion and world number one in the same year would be a dream come true."
Lewis' initial aim in Blackpool is to win Saturday's high-profile first round clash with recent Speedy Services UK Open champion Robert Thornton.
"Robert's a big threat and he's going to be full of confidence," said Lewis. "I've got a good record against him but that doesn't mean anything when you get up on stage.
"It's always good to have a tough opponent in the first round because to win that sets you up for the rest of the tournament.
"I had it last year with Kevin Painter, who missed a couple of darts at tops to beat me - hopefully I won't give Robert the opportunity on Saturday!"
Lewis missed out on the McCoy's Premier League Darts Play-Offs earlier this year and was defeated in the last 32 of the UK Open - but has reached a Players Championship final and a semi-final in some strong form since.
And he admits to being inspired by the rise of Dave Chisnall into the world's top 16 this year as well as the emergence of young talents James Hubbard, Joe Cullen and Michael Smith.
"I think my form's picking up at the right time and my practice is going well," he said. "I've reached a final on the floor for the first time in ages and I had a semi-final too, and I'm practising hard again.
"You've got the top players in the world playing well, the likes of Dave Chisnall coming through, and lots of younger players behind that, and you've got to put the work in.
"It's great for the game because you see how hungry the young players are, and they've made me want to work harder again. I think to myself that I used to be like that and I want to get that back.
"I've started to put a lot more work into the game again and I've got the hunger back. I've been doing five and six hours a day and my preparation has been fantastic."
Lewis' semi-final defeat to James Wade in Blackpool last summer was the second time he has lost at that stage to the left-hander, but he is relishing the chance to return to the Winter Gardens stage on Saturday.
"It's definitely one of my favourite venues," he added. "The atmosphere inside the Winter Gardens is fantastic and you get a real darts crowd.
"I love playing there and hopefully I can have a good week."
The Betfair World Matchplay will be held from July 21-29 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Tickets for the event are still available by calling the Winter Gardens Box Office on 0844 856 1111 or by visiting www.blackpoollive.com.
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