James Hubbard upbeat after Phil Taylor loss

There are 22 years between youngster James Hubbard (right) and Phil Taylor

Teenager James Hubbard is confident his televised debut against 15-time world champion Phil Taylor has made him a stronger player.

The 19-year-old lost 5-1 to Taylor in their Grand Slam of Darts group match.

He told BBC Radio Norfolk: "Hopefully now I should settle down on the stage, hit my doubles and take my chances.

"I got to the walk-on and the adrenaline kicked in and I felt fine. But as soon as they said 'game on' I got a little bit nervous."

The Wymondham youngster, who will compete in next year's World Youth Championship final, notched his only leg thanks to an unorthodox five-point checkout.

"I left five and I was saying to myself 'don't miss the one'. I aimed high and hit double one," he explained.

"That left me three and I went one, double one. I didn't mean to do it but it worked."

And Hubbard, son of former professional Vic, could have made it a closer affair had he not squandered four chances to secure what turned out to be the final leg.

"I got a little bit nervous when it got down to the doubles," he admitted. "I think it's probably because I was playing Phil Taylor."

Hubbard will now face fellow Norfolk player Mervyn King and Steve Beaton.