Oxfordshire's Dennis Smith goes for world glory at Alexandra Palace on December 21.
The 42-year-old, from Hungerford, who has played a major role in Oxfordshire’s rise to the top flight of British darts over the last few years, faces Australian world No 5 Simon Whitlock in the first round.
Taylor, ranked 50, has figured in the tournament since 1995, when he went out 4-0 to John Lowe.
His finest achievement was reaching the semi-finals in 2000 when he defeated Cliff Lazarenko, John Part and Lowe before going out 5-0 to Phil Taylor.
Last year, he lost 3-0 to Andy Hamilton in the first round.
Whitlock is something of a cult figure in the sport, with his long beard and ponytail.
Also aged 42, ‘The Wizard’ was runner-up in 2008 and last year, when he was beaten 7-3 by 15-times champion Taylor.
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