GARY ANDERSON concedes that the Rileys Darts Zones UK Open was the toughest event he has competed in.
The Scot reached his first major PDC final at the Reebok Stadium earlier this month when he battled through to the decider, before losing to Phil Taylor.
While he has a decade of experience at the top level, Anderson conceded the UK Open's format, featuring three games on the final day, was new to him.
"I've played World Championships for eight or nine years but the UK Open was the hardest tournament I've played in," said Anderson.
"It showed that I'm not fit enough and I need to work on that.
"I spent a few nights together with Phil in Scotland before the UK Open and he explained a few things to me.
"I'm not the greatest practiser and Phil calls me a lazy player, and he's quite right. I've put the hours in and it doesn't always seem to help me but I have to do it now."
Anderson had previously defeated Taylor in winning the 2007 World Darts Trophy in Holland - and he conceded that his 11-6 loss in Bolton was revenge for the 15-time World Champion.
"He mentioned that before the final and took it out on me!" added Anderson. "I was younger then and hopefully I'm a bit older and wiser now.
"It's always a pleasure playing Phil but you have to take your hat off to him. He just batters you, and the game will keep getting harder as long as Phil's playing.
"He's hitting 118 averages, he hit two nine-darters in the Premier League final and missed the third and that's what you've got to try and beat."