5 Players Who Can Challenge Phil Taylor in the PDC World Championships

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It's that time of year again. Christmas is fast approaching and while most people are out shopping, darts fans are glued to the TV for the biggest tournament in the darting calendar.

With this year's Championship already witnessing major shock exits, it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting World Darts Championships ever.

Surely Taylor can't just cruise to the title like he has so many times before.

Let's take a look at the players who could cause an upset and challenge the Power.

Gary "The Flying Scotsman" Anderson

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Gary Anderson hits 180s for fun, even on an off day. His trouble has been in hitting doubles, a problem that nearly caused him to make a shock first-round exit to Jhyan Artut.

If he can neaten up his doubles he will score well above a 100 average, making him nearly impossible to beat.

Tournament Odds: 8/1

Wes "The Warrior" Newton

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What a year it has been for Newton. By far the fastest improving player in the PDC, he has flown up the rankings to No. 7.

If he continues this rich run of form and can continue improving, he could make a massive impact on this year's competition.

Tournament Odds: 28/1

Adrian "Jackpot" Lewis

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Jackpot has probably never felt luckier after scraping through by the skin of his teeth in a first-round classic with Nigel Heydon.

After going 2-0 in sets down to the Undertaker, he showed his class and bottle to claw his way back and win the match.

The current champion will now surely feel he can push on and perform as he knows he can.

Tournament Odds: 7/1

Kevin "The Artist" Painter

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At last, he's done it. The Artist, after many years' wait, has won his first major televised final.

He did so in emphatic fashion, playing some of his best darts for some years.

Painter has always been a talent but has struggled to regain his best form. If the Players' Championship was anything to go by, he is back with a bang and ready for more silverware.

Tournament Odds: 50/1

Dave "Chizzee Rascal" Chisnall

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This unseeded scoring machine has caused a few waves in the PDC since moving from the BDO.

His scoring is second to none, and his apparent "double trouble" wasnt very evident in his first-round victory over Mark Dudbridge in this year's competition.

Even with a second-round tie against Phil Taylor, Chizzee will definitely fancy his chances.

Tournament Odds: 40/1