Sports story by sports.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:35:29 GMT



Phil Taylor began the defence of his Las Vegas Desert Classic title with victory in the first round at Mandalay Bay.The British number one fought off a back problem to overcome Jamie Caven 6-3.



"Jamie put me under a lot of pressure but my finishing got me through," he said after the match.



"He played very well, he's one to watch for the future and he's getting better every week.



"The back will be okay, but it is affecting me. I get stiff towards the end of the day so I was glad to get through that."



He now faces long-term rival Dennis Priestley in the second round.