KEVIN PAINTER has backed Phil Taylor to win his 13th World Championship title on Monday.

Painter was knocked out of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship on Friday night with a 5-1 defeat to The Power.

The 2004 finalist won just one leg in the last 13 as Taylor took four straight sets to seal victory.

Taylor meets Wayne Mardle in Sunday's semi-finals, but Painter believes the Essex star will be unable to stop the defending champion.

"I didn't play my best darts of the week, but Phil was unbelievable against me," said Painter. "He was hitting 140's and 180's and going out in 11, 12 and 13 darts.

"I've said before that his best game is better than anybody else, and he is going to win this title at a stroll.

"Phil puts the effort and practice in and he knows that a few of the lads can upset him if they have a good day.

"I broke his throw in the second set to go 1-1, and he started going out in 12 and 13 darts.

"He is an awesome dart player, that was a lesson of darts and I've got no problem with that.

"If someone's going to take me out of the tournament, let it be Phil because otherwise I would probably be disappointed."

Painter had to overcome 2005 finalist Mark Dudbridge on his way to the last eight, and admitted that having so many big names in his half of the draw was always going to pose a big task.

"I played Phil in the final two years ago and the big thing is being in the opposite half of the draw to him," he said.

"In our half of the draw, there is the likes of John Part, Chris Mason, myself, Mark Dudbridge, Wayne Mardle and Phil as well as a lot of other good players.

"It would be nice to be in the other half but I'll keep coming back."

Painter showed glimpses of his top form, notably breaking Taylor's throw to win the second set 3-2 and level the game.

But he added: "I don't mind having a lesson taught to me by someone like Phil.

"That is what the game is about, he went up there and did a proper job on me - I don't think he missed the treble and I was grateful to take a set on that performance."

After a difficult year on the circuit, Painter admitted that he was pleased to reach the quarter-finals at the Circus Tavern following impressive wins over Dale and Wes Newton as well as Dudbridge.

"I've had a good week," he said. "I always play well here and I'm quite happy with my performances this week, but obviously there is work to be done.

"I don't think I played my best game against Phil and I wish I'd played as well as I did against Mark Dudbridge.

"I don't think it would have made any difference to the result, because of the way Phil played. I hit too many slack scores and didn't put pressure on Phil."