Taylor had spent much of the week in bed with a virus ahead of the tournament's opening night, but put aside his health concerns to repeat his victory over Whitlock in the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship final a month ago.

The world number one only travelled to London on the afternoon of the game, and a lack of practice showed in a below-par opening, but he won seven of the game's final eight legs in sweeping to victory.

Taylor hit a 180 in the opening leg, but missed double 16 to break Whitlock's throw as the Aussie landed double top for the opening leg.

Four-time Premier League winner Taylor hit the same bed to win the second leg, before a classy 13-darter from Whitlock edged him 2-1 up.

Taylor levelled on double five following a scrappy fourth leg, which saw him miss eight darts at a double under little pressure from his opponent, only hit a 180 and take out 122 on the bull with a 12-dart finish for a sparkling break of throw.

The duo traded maximums to kick off leg six, but Taylor's profligacy on doubles cost him for a second time in the match as Whitlock landed tops for an 80 finish to square the game at the break.

Taylor hit a second 12-darter of the game to win the seventh leg, with another 122 finish, and double top in the next put him two legs clear.

A double 16 checkout, with his third dart, saw Taylor move 6-3 up, and he wrapped up the win in style with a pair of 12-darters, landing a 180 in the tenth leg and finishing 103 to seal victory.

"I hadn't thrown a dart for about a week before today and really had to concentrate and push through," said Taylor. "I got better as the game went on but Simon wasn't at his best either.

"I know we will both improve over the next few weeks, and I'll certainly be better in Bournemouth next week after I've had a good rest to recover properly.

"I'll have to get better too, because it's a fantastic Premier League this year and probably the strongest field ever, but there's a long way to go."

He added: "The O2 is a fabulous venue, probably the most impressive I've ever played in and a great way to begin this year's tournament."

Full results can be found at www.pdc.tv
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