Taylor looking for a better performance in his next match

Phil Taylor began his bid for a 10th World Matchplay title with a 10-4 win over Robert Thornton on Monday.

The defending champion was not at his best and averaged only 97 points in the match - 12 points behind last year's performance at the Winter Gardens.

Taylor said: "It is the best venue in my mind, it is a little bit extra special and to take a 10th title would mean a lot to me."

The 49-year-old now takes on Kevin Painter in round two on Wednesday.

Taylor admitted he will need to improve if he is to progress.

"I'll have to play well on Wednesday because Kevin will bring the best out of me, and I know I bring the best out of him too," he said.

"I'll have to average 105 or 110, maybe even as high as 116 against him."

Painter, the 2004 World Championship runner-up and twice a loser to Taylor in Blackpool, produced the best display of the tournament's opening two nights with a 10-3 win over local hero Wes Newton.

Painter took a 7-0 lead, before Newton took three successive legs to hit back, and closed out victory with a 101 average to progress.

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