Shropshire darter Ted Hankey could get his wish of a clash with Phil Taylor next week – 11 months after challenging the sport’s greatest ever player to a showdown.

Telford-based Hankey challenged Taylor to a showdown in January after both men clinched their respective world titles.

Hankey won the BDO version while Taylor – the ‘Power’ – became a 14-time world champion by lifting the PDC’s top prize.

That battle of the world champions failed to materialise, but the pair could be on collision course in Wolverhampton next week when the £400,000 Grand Slam of Darts heads to the city’s Civic Hall.

The tournament brings together leading players from the two rival groups for one tournament.

“I did challenge Phil in January but Barry Hearn (PDC chairman) said the sponsorship wasn’t there,” said 41-year-old Hankey.

“It’s not just about me and Phil next week. If I play him, I play him – if I don’t, I don’t.

“I will just play my darts and see how far I can go in the tournament.”

l Hankey begins his title challenge on Sunday afternoon when he takes on Scott Waites in his first round-robin match.

Wayne Mardle and Simon Whitlock are also in Hankey’s round robin group, with the top two qualifying for the last 16 when the knockout stages begin.

By JAMES GARRISON