Phil Taylor has insisted that he will not call time on his phenomenal darts career if he adds a 17th World Championship title to his collection next month.

The 55-year-old is comfortably the most decorated player in history after dominating the sport for over two decades.

However, Taylor has faced stiff competition from the likes of young Dutchman Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson in recent years, and has not lifted the Sid Waddell trophy since 2013.

"I've got two weeks off after today and I'm going to be 100% rested up and ready for the World Championship," he told Sky Sports News. "I think I'll play better this year, well hopefully, than I have in my career."

Asked if he would call it a day if he won, the Stoke man added: "Will I walk away and retire if I win it? Not a chance, not at all.

"Not until the day I can't throw a dart again, that's when I'll retire, when I've had enough."

Taylor finished runner-up at Alexandra Palace last time around after losing 7-6 to Anderson.

This year's edition of the competition kicks off on December 17.