Phil Taylor has begun his attempt to win a seventh successive World Matchplay crown with a 10-4 win over Darren Webster.
The world number two has been below par during the first half of the year, but he showed signs of getting back to his best in fending off a spirited performance from his opponent.
After Webster missed a dart to make it 3-3, Taylor won five of the next six legs to open up a commanding advantage before a 132 checkout in the penultimate game helped him seal his last-16 spot.
Taylor will play Michael Smith, who famously defeated him at last year's World Championship, in the second round after he edged out Justin Pipe by a 10-8 scoreline.
Raymond van Barneveld, who is fighting to keep his place in the top 16 of the PDC Order of Merit, hit eight maximums on his way to a 10-4 triumph over Dutch compatriot Vincent van der Voort.
In the other match of the night, Wes Newton overturned an 8-4 deficit to beat Ronnie Baxter 11-9, with the win being capped with a superb 144 checkout in the concluding leg.
Darren Plant
