PHIL TAYLOR has praised "grown up" Adrian Lewis for his success in this summer's majors.
World number three Lewis picked up his third major title at the PartyPoker.net European Championship last month, was a quarter-finalist in the Speedy Services UK Open and recently won through to the final of the BetVictor World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Lewis, 28, showed superb form during both the European Championship and World Matchplay - hitting 19 maximums in the final against Taylor only to fall to an 18-13 defeat.
However, Taylor has praised Lewis for his resurgence in form in recent months, having predicted the Stoke ace for glory many times whilst they practised together early in the two-time World Champion's career.
"I was really pleased Adrian got to the final in Blackpool and he didn't do much wrong at all," said Taylor. "Every time I turned around he seemed to be hitting a 180 and he pushed me to keep playing like I was.
"We were taking the mickey [after the final] because he's only got a little trophy and I've got a big one - but one day he'll be picking the big trophies up, no doubt about that."
Taylor added: "I had him with me for two years. He came to my house every day and treated him like my own son, and the final in Blackpool was the day we always dreamed of, to play each other in a big final.
"He deserves it because I know how much hard work he's put in. He's had his knockers and proved them wrong, and I'm pleased for him. That's the lad I know and love.
"He's grown up. He's a father now, he's got children, a wife, properties and responsibilities and he's a different person now, but he's still a lovely lad."
Taylor himself turns 53 on August 13 and is hoping to play on for another five years, but will now travel to a health spa in Portugal for a break before the Sydney Darts Masters, which begins at the end of the month.
He added: "This World Matchplay was the hardest one I've ever won but I don't mean that disrespectfully to other players who I've played in finals. I'm 53 soon and it's harder for me now.
"I'm trying everything - I'm training hard, I'm eating healthily and practising loads but as you get older it gets harder and it means more to me than ever and every tournament is a bonus.
"I'm going to be doing everything I can to try and prolong my career a bit. I'm heading away to Portugal to a health camp for a couple of weeks and then I'll be getting myself ready for Australia."
Sydney Darts Masters tickets are still available for the opening night on Thursday August 29, which will feature the eight First Round games. Tickets cost $60 for Floor Seating and $40 for Tiered Seating.
Tickets are available online through www.bigtopsydney.com or by Telephone on 1300 BIG TOP.