PHIL TAYLOR is aiming to claim back his position as world number one in Bolton at this year's Blue Square UK Open.

Taylor has been overtaken at the head of the PDC Order of Merit this year by Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld - who has taken UK Open glory at the Reebok Stadium in the past two years.

Van Barneveld defeated Taylor on his way to both of those titles, but the two-time UK Open winner is hoping that June's event will see him restore his place at the top of the tree.

"I can go back to number one if I do well at Bolton and that's a massive goal for me," he said. "I was very disappointed with how things went for me last year, but I've made some changes with my darts and my lifestyle and it's paying off.

"Bolton's always been a special place for me - I've won there twice and hit three nine-darters, and I hope it can have some more good memories this year."

Taylor will start his challenge in Bolton on Friday, June 6, 24 hours after the tournament begins, with stars such as Dennis Priestley, Wayne Mardle and World Championship runner-up Kirk Shepherd in action on Thursday.