Taylor thrashed Terry Jenkins 18-4 in the World Matchplay final in 2009

Defending World Matchplay champion Phil Taylor battled past a spirited Barrie Bates in the first round at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Tuesday.

Taylor, 49, started quickly but could not shake off the challenge of the Welshman and trailed 5-4 after missing several shots at doubles early on.

However, the world number one reeled off five consecutive legs and completed a 10-6 win with an average of 114.99.

Taylor faces Steve Beaton in the second round on Thursday evening.

"I couldn't seem to break Barrie's throw early on and then I was missing doubles," said Taylor. "His finishing was superb and he put me under pressure.

"At 5-5, 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 and Barrie played well. He pushed me hard."

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