Phil Taylor (1/2 favourite 2011 PDC world championship – outright) climbed off his sick bed to destroy Simon Whitlock 8-3 and shatter his hopes of a dream start on the opening night of the Premier League Darts – then warned he wants to win the lot in 2010.

‘The Power’ was a doubt for the O2 showpiece because of a virus which has kept him bed-ridden but he summoned up all his strength to show emerging talent Whitlock the old master is still a force to be reckoned with.

He shared the opening six legs with the ‘Wizard of Oz’ (20/1 2011 PDC world championship – outright) before taking the next five legs to the delight of a crowd close to 10,000.

Taylor thanked his doctor for helping him recover then said he was desperate to win back the title he lost last year.

“I’m getting there, I’m absolutely shattered though,” Taylor said. “I’ve got to thank my doctor, who gave me some pills that have made me feel a lot better.”

The 15-time world champion added: “I had the best year any sportsman could ever wish for so to do the same again will be impossible, but I’m focusing on the big tournaments this year and this is certainly one of them.”

Don’t miss your chance to get in involved in all darts betting opportunities – including ante-post bets for the 2011 world championship – on totesport.com.