Phil Taylor has said that his preparation for the upcoming World Championship will be key as he bids to win a 17th title.

The Stoke-on-Trent thrower has not won a televised ranking tournament since July 2014 but he is still among the favourites to win the event at Alexandra Palace.

However, as he nears the end of his playing career, Taylor admits that he must prepare properly as he looks to win six matches over the Christmas period.

The 56-year-old told PDC.tv: "I'm feeling alright. I've got a couple of weeks now to get ready, which I'm pleased about, and for me now it's about rest and practice, and that's what I'll be doing.

"I've got to get my preparation right but I've played well this year. My preparation is going to perfect. It is all about preparation and that's what I'm targeting. I've got the winner of two players so I don't really know who I'm going to play yet, whether it's John Bowles or David Platt.

"David's been around on the circuit for a while before he moved to Australia and I know he's good, and John's done really well to qualify. It's two good players, don't get me wrong, so it all depends who gets through, but I'll be ready."

Taylor last won the event in 2013, while he was defeated in the third round last year by Jelle Klaasen.