Phil Taylor wins first round match at Unibet Masters

Phil Taylor's last year on the PDC circuit began with victory over Michael Smith at the Unibet Masters, while Gary Anderson set up a clash with Raymond van Barneveld.

On Friday, Taylor reaffirmed what he had hinted at after his World Championship defeat to 'Barney' in December, that 2017 would be his last year on the circuit, with the 2018 World Championship being his last event.

The Power had admitted during the Worlds that he intended to just play the TV tournaments and the events that his ranking got him into during 2017, but confirmation of his impending retirement means the year will now become something of a farewell tour for the 16-time world champion

With the news out in the open, Taylor romped past Michael Smith, winning eight of the final 10 legs in Milton Keynes to seal a victory that sets up a quarter-final date with third seed Peter Wright, who beat Ian White 10-5.

Taylor was delighted with his display and is looking forward to enjoying his final year on the circuit:

"I think I'm more excited now and I've got butterflies, whereas I didn't have that before. Perhaps that will do me good," he said.

"This is a brilliant start. I've got new darts and they were going lovely. I missed a few doubles and I went 4-2 down and clambered back to five-each, and then I had a chance - and double seven was lovely tonight."

World number two Gary Anderson produced the most impressive performance of the opening night, averaging almost 110 in a 10-3 demolition of Masters debutant Benito van de Pas.

Van de Pas weathered an early barrage from Anderson to land an 11-darter as he stayed in touch at 3-2, but the two-time world champion reeled off the next five legs without reply before bettering the Dutchman's 128 checkout with a 142 finish to wrap up the win.

"I've had two weeks off since the World Championship without throwing a dart and it's worked," said Anderson.

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"I've had a break and it's been great. I've enjoyed the couple of weeks back at home but I've got my head back on now and we'll see what happens."

Up next for Anderson is Van Barneveld, who came from 2-0 down to defeat Dave Chisnall 10-5, winning seven straight legs to take charge of the game in mid-match.

"Dave let me in with some missed doubles but I played really well in the middle of the match," said Van Barneveld.

Reigning champion and world champion Michael van Gerwen began with victory over Simon Whitlock and he was joined in the last eight by Robert Thornton, Adrian Lewis and Mensur Suljovic from the evening session's final first round matches.

The tournament concludes with Sunday's quarter-final, semi-final and final.

The Premier League returns on Thursday, you can catch all the build-up throughout the week on www.skysports.com/darts as well as all the action from Newcastle live on Sky Sports 2 from 7pm on Thursday.