MICHAEL VAN GERWEN is expecting a great battle when he takes on Phil Taylor on Saturday evening.
The battle between 13-time World Champion Taylor and the 19-year-old Dutch wonderkid marks the highlight of the resumption of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The two met a year ago in the first round - when a narrow missed dart for the match cost van Gerwen his chance of a famous win.
The youngster, though, has since moved into the world's top 32 and battled back to defeat American star Darin Young in round one last week - and he is now hoping to upset the world number one.
"All the pressure's on Phil, not on me," he said.
"He's 13-time World Champion and I've only won the World Masters and hit a nine-darter in the Masters of Darts; everybody expects him to win this year but I'll try to stop that.
"I know I can beat him, I've done it before and that's very important for me.
"You have to take every chance you get or you will lose, but hopefully I will play my best game."
Van Gerwen was a set down to Young in the first round last Saturday, but showed newfound maturity to reel off three successive sets and claim the win.
"Darin's a slow player and I'm very quick so it was very difficult to play him," said van Gerwen.
"About two years ago I joined the PDC and I'm proud that I've learned to play against different types of players. I've learned a lot since coming to the PDC and it's good.
"But I hit my scores at the right time, and the 124 finish was important in the match.
"I know I can do that more often and if I do I can beat anybody - but I can also lose to anyone."
Taylor has reinvented himself since suffering disappointment with a quarter-final exit at Alexandra Palace last year and is the 1/2 favourite to claim a 14th World Championship with sponsors Ladbrokes.com - but is taking nothing for granted against van Gerwen.
"He might go close again," said Taylor. "It's a different Phil now, obviously, but it's going to be a cracking game and you could see a couple of nine-darters.
"I'm going to be ready for him and I'm sure he's ready and it will be a good game."
Six matches will be played across two sessions on Saturday, beginning with qualifier Dennis Smith - who knocked out world number five Terry Jenkins in round one - facing emerging youngster Kevin McDine.
Alan Tabern meets Dutchman Co Stompe, while last year's semi-finalist Kevin Painter comes up against tricky Spanish newcomer Carlos Rodriguez.
Mark Dudbridge, the 2005 runner-up, meets Austrian Mensur Suljovic in the evening session's opening game, and Wayne Mardle clashes with Scottish ace Robert Thornton.
Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship
Second Round
Saturday December 27
Afternoon Session (1.30pm start)
Dennis Smith v Kevin McDine
Alan Tabern v Co Stompe
Carlos Rodriguez v Kevin Painter
Evening Session (7pm start)
Mensur Suljovic v Mark Dudbridge
Phil Taylor v Michael van Gerwen
Wayne Mardle v Robert Thornton