from Webster who was returning to the Winter Gardens after a nine
year absence.
“I’m very happy with that because I was determined to play well
tonight,” said Taylor. “Darren was gutsy and he’s got a lot of bottle; he
doesn’t give up and he goes up there and plays his own game.
“I’ve been practising well for a while and not taking it onto stage, but
now I’m taking it up there and I know I’ll play well this week - and the
other players know now too.
“I’m loving the way the darts are going in and I’m genuinely excited,
and I think now that I’ll get back to my best.”
Taylor was in such confident mood after his opening victory that he
even went as far as to predict a nine-darter in his second round matchup with Michael Smith.
“I want to have a scrap with him and it will be great. The fans will be
in for a treat and I think there could be a nine-darter too,” he added.
Smith had already booked his place in the second round with a 10-8
victory over the seeded Justin Pipe. The heavy scoring St Helens’ ace
had landed an impressive seven 180s in the encounter as he averaged
just shy of 99 to set up his mouth watering encounter with Taylor.
Lakeside World Champion Stephen Bunting was making his debut in the
event after an impressive six months had seen him qualify in his first
year on tour.
The Bullet did not disappoint as he produced one of only a handful of
opening round shocks to eliminate Peter Wright 10-6.
In truth Wright was far from his absolute best, perhaps the pressure of
taking on the man everyone was talking about took its toll, but it still
took a solid display from Bunting to claim the victory as he hinted at
big things to come in the coming months.
“I couldn’t have asked for much
better from my debut game,”
said Bunting. “It was an
achievement just to qualify
for this tournament, but
to beat a player like Peter
is great for me because
he’s a fantastic player.
“I scored well and just
want to sharpen up a bit
on my doubles. The crowd
got me through that game
and the atmosphere was
amazing, and even though I
was nervous I did the job.
“I couldn’t have
asked for much
better from my
debut game”
Stephen Bunting