4:35pm Thursday 22nd July 2010
PHIL TAYLOR avoided an early scare from Welshman Barrie Bates before opening his defence of his World Matchplay title with a 10-5 victory at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The 10-time World Matchplay winner trailed Bates 5-4 after missing a host of doubles in the early legs.
But the Crewe resident reeled off five straight legs to assume command and closed out victory with a tournament record average of 114.99.
“I couldn’t seem to break his throw early on and then I was missing doubles,” said Taylor.
“His finishing was superb and he put me under pressure.
“At 5-all I had to hold my darts and I did that, broke Barrie and pulled through for the win.
“It was a really good game to be involved in, the crowd enjoyed it, Barrie played well and pushed me hard.”
The world number one meets Steve Beaton in the second round today, Thursday, after the former World Champion swept aside Blackpool debutant Paul Nicholson 10-3 in his opener.
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