Darts proves a point in O2 debut

The big question was whether the huge auditorium, more used to hosting the likes of Prince and the Rolling Stones, could successfully translate the small-scale skills of darts to a crowd of 8,000 plus.

But with the aid of big screens, dancing girls and piped music the enthusiastic crowd - many in fancy dress - brought the chilly arena to life well before the start of proceedings.

And they grew increasingly vociferous as the evening's entertainment progressed.

With the air conditioning turned off to avoid affecting the flight of the darts, the temperature was on the cool side, but the raucous support of fans cheering their favourites to the oche ensured the atmosphere was nothing less than warm.

Taylor, whose participation was in doubt until the 11th hour owing to a virus which laid him low all week, was the main attraction and the world champion rewarded his fans with victory over Simon Whitlock.

But it wasn't plain sailing for "The Power". His lack of practice was evident as he struggled to hit his doubles in the early stages of the match.

Whitlock, who only returned from his native Australia on Tuesday and was clearly jet-lagged, matched the world number one leg for leg to start with, reaching the break at 3-3.

But after the interval Taylor began to find his form, producing a 122 checkout in the 7th leg, before going on to comprehensively wrap up the match 8-3.

The 49-year-old revealed he'd only made the decision to compete yesterday morning, and the effort had taken it's toll.

He said: "I feel drained now, to be honest. I've used all my energy up. I feel knackered. I've been ill for six or seven days.

"I haven't had any practice. You have to really concentrate and push it through. But I've done it for 20 years, I suppose.

"If Simon had put me more under pressure, who knows? At one point I thought he was going to do a nine-darter.

"But he wasn't at his best either. He's jet-lagged so I think that levelled the match a little bit."

Taylor was impressed with The O2, despite the lack of heating.

He said: "The venue is fantastic, absolutely. It's the most impressive venue I've ever played in, without a shadow of a doubt.

"It wasn't too warm, but I'm alright because I've got a bit of a temperature."

Terry Jenkins and Ronnie Baxter opened proceedings in the arena, drawing 7-7 in an entertaining match, while Mervyn King enjoyed a convincing 8-5 win over Adrian Lewis in the second match.

Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld overcame his lack of serious practice in recent weeks to beat defending Premier League champion James Wade 8-5.

Like Taylor, he was delighted to leave the arena with a win.

He said: "When I was here for the press conference on Wednesday I said it was amazing. But to play here in front of 8,000 people, all supporting you and calling your name is incredible.

"But you still have to focus on the win, you know. It's really important that you win games. I'm happy with the win against James, I've lost the last three meetings with him in the Premier League."

The Premier League roadshow moves on to Bournemouth next week and then various venues around the country before returning to London at the end of May for the finals.

It may not be everyone's idea of a good night out, but if the players and fans are to be believed Premier League Darts will certainly be back at The O2 for years to come.

Results:

Terry Jenkins 7
Ronnie Baxter 7

Mervyn King 8
Adrian Lewis 5

Raymond van Barneveld 8
James Wade 5

Simon Whitlock 3
Phil Taylor 8