Brendan Dolan Backs Phil Taylor to Challenge for World Grand Prix Title

'The Power' is yet to collect a major title this year and his seven-year reign as World Matchplay champion ended in July after a semi-final defeat by James Wade.

But Taylor has fared well on previous trips to Dublin, winning the trophy on 11 occasions, including a 2011 final victory over Irishman Dolan, who believes the 55-year-old is still one of the main contenders to win the tournament.

"There's an 11-time champion who is not going to be far away, he never is," Dolan told Sky Sports.

"When it comes to Dublin, he has the mentality for it. He knows how to pressure people and probably even knows what people are thinking as soon as he starts.

"It would definitely be foolish to write him off. People say he's had a barren year, but he's proved it in the World Series of Darts, he's won two tournaments. He didn't win the World Championships or he hasn't won the Premier League this year, but he hasn't played much on the tour, so it isn't like he's getting beaten week-in-week-out."

Michael van Gerwen is the defending champion and current world No 1, but Dolan has spotted a few signs of weakness in recent weeks.

He said: "Michael had a great year on the floor up to the World Matchplay, but since then he's got beat a few times on the floor and is possibly more vulnerable.

"You have to consider other major winners like Gary Anderson or James Wade. James is playing very well at the minute. He's been there and done it before and I think he could be the outsider, apart from myself of course."

Players must start every leg on a double and Dolan earned the nickname of 'The History Maker' when he became the first man to complete a nine-darter in this format during his run to the final in 2011.

"To do the first ever nine-darter there is a special moment, in front of the Dublin crowd," said Dolan, who will face Jelle Klaasen on the opening night this Sunday.  

"At the time it didn't mean as much, but now I can look back and appreciate what I actually achieved. To be the first person, it was very nice and rewarding to go down in the history books."

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