Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis prepare meet in McCoy's Premier League

THE top two players in Stoke-on-Trent – and also the world – prepared for their high pressure McCoy's Premier League head-to-head by practising together over a cup of tea.

Master Phil Taylor and apprentice Adrian Lewis, who have won 17 World Championship titles between them, will launch this year's competition in front of more than 10,000 fans at the Manchester Arena tonight.

Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis

They teamed up to win the World Cup for England in Hamburg last weekend, then headed around to Lewis's house on Tuesday for more time at the oche.

Lewis, aged 27, from Cross Heath, said: "We were great when we played at the World Cup and Phil came around to mine for a chuck earlier this week.

"But we are rivals in the Premier League now. Phil says we have a love-hate relationship ... he loves me and I hate him.

"With Andy Hamilton coming in, there are three of us from Stoke in this year's tournament.

"But never mind finishing the best out of that group, I want to finish better than everyone in the competition."

Taylor, aged 51, the Burslem-born legend now based at Wychwood Park, near Crewe, is aiming for his sixth Premier League title, while Lewis is yet to come out on top in the Sky Sports-televised competition.

It's an anomaly that "Jackpot" is working hard to correct.

"It's the most prestigious competition after the World Championships, so it's a big hole on my CV," said the former Newcastle Community High School student.

"You are under pressure to perform at the top of your game every week.

"There are times when I'm flying, but I got through the World Championships in second gear. I keep working hard to find that consistency."

Taylor will enter the arena looking half the man he did after his shock World Championships second-round exit to Dave Chisnall in December.

"The Power" has been hitting the weights at his gym with a view to enjoying life, rather than necessarily cramming more silverware into his crowded trophy cabinet. I don't feel the pressure anymore," he said, having lost a stone in the two months.

"I'll try my best, but most of all I'll soak up the experiences of playing in packed arenas.

"It's great fun, but sometimes in the past I've been in my own bubble.

"I've altered my lifestyle. I'm eating healthy, doing weights and I'm feeling the best I've felt for years."

Taylor lost to Lewis on last year's opening night, but was not troubled again as he stormed to the top of the table ... only to lose again to Lewis at the semi-final stage.

Yet he still ended 2011 as champion in the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players' Championship.

And despite his laid back demeanour, the sport's granddaddy still has fire in his slimmed-down belly to take back the Premier League crown he last won in 2010.

"I know exactly what I was doing wrong when I lost in the World Championships and it's not going to happen again," he said.

"This title is coming back to Stoke-on-Trent ... and I will be giving it a good go to make sure it's me who is carrying it.

"It will take a great deal to stop me."