Stompe: Taylor After Revenge

CO STOMPE admits Phil Taylor is on a revenge mission in their Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship quarter-final.

Stompe claimed victory over Taylor a month ago in the final of the German Darts Championship, one of the rare defeats Taylor suffered during a superb 2008.

Stompe has followed up his 4-2 win in Halle by dropping just two sets in victories over Andy Jenkins, Alan and Wayne Mardle on his Alexandra Palace debut.

"I've got nothing to lose and Phil has everything to lose," said Stompe. "I can lose a few grand but am not usually in a competition this long!

"Phil will want revenge and if he does you'd better hide, because it will be a problem. I expect him to win, everyone does.

"If I go in and play my best darts I have a chance. The secret to playing Phil Taylor is to turn up on the day and don't think about what he is doing.

"Just play your own to the best of your own ability. Don't think about the game because it could be out of reach before you even know it has started.

"It's a dream come true for him playing me, he will want to put me back in my place."

Taylor admitted: "It will be a scrap, and I am up for a battle.

"Whoever beats me is going to get a bigger Phil Taylor next time. I am not one of these who think if they beat me, they can do it again - they will have a bigger battle next time.

"I did well in 2008 but this is the big one and the year does not meant anything if you lose this one."

While Taylor admitted missed doubles cost him the final against Stompe in Germany, the Dutchman added: "I had an answer to everything he did.

"If he didn't do it I punished him. I won it fair and square.

"But I can understand Phil. If you hardly ever lose it hits you hard and you always look for an excuse."

Stompe is guaranteed a £20,000 pay-day for reaching the last eight at Alexandra Palace, and admits he is delighted with his progress since joining the PDC in June - the day after his wedding to Danielle.

"I'm in top 32 in six months time and already fans are in there with bald heads and glasses," he said. "It's brilliant!

"Joining the PDC is making me money, getting married is costing me money! Danielle spends a lot of money and she already knows what she will spend my winnings on!"

Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship - Thursday (7pm)
Mervyn King v Barrie Bates
Phil Taylor v Co Stompe