Phil Taylor 2-0 Joe Collins (3-2, 3-1)
Sky Bet World Grand Prix First Round
PHIL TAYLOR saw off a brave challenge from Irish qualifier Joe Collins to reach round two of the Sky Bet World Grand Prix.
Collins, who hails from Cork, was making his debut in a major tournament and took Taylor all the way in the opening set.
Taylor won the opening leg, but Collins hit back to level after the five-time World Grand Prix champion missed two darts at the double.
Taylor regained the lead at the eighth attempt in the third leg before Collins again levelled, checking out 111 to the delight of his supporters.
That would be the high point, though, for Collins as Taylor stepped up a gear to take the set before winning the second 3-1.
"It was hard work," said Taylor. "You really want to take the first set as it's such a short format.
"The pressure was on me from the beginning because I didn't know what Joe was going to do and he never gave in.
"I can relax now and settle because the format is a bit longer."
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