Taylor powers to repeat Vegas win

Phil Taylor kept his cool to win his fifth Desert Classic crown in Las Vegas

Phil Taylor won the Las Vegas Desert Classic for a fifth time with a 13-11 victory over Raymond Van Barneveld.

Taylor was in stunning form throughout the tournament, most notably his 11-1 semi-final win over John Part.

In the final, Van Barneveld came from 3-0 down to lead 4-3, and also held a 7-6 advantage before Taylor found an extra gear to pull away for victory.

"I'm delighted," said Taylor. "It was a super final to be involved in and, in the end, I broke his spirit I think."

Taylor began the defence of his Las Vegas title struggling with a back problem.

"The back is affecting me," admitted Taylor. "I decided to try and get fit and pulled something while riding my bike."

Taylor will now begin his quest for a 10th World Matchplay title later this month against Robert Thornton.

48-year-old Taylor will begin the defence of his crown at Blackpool's Winter Gardens from July 19-26.

Taylor and Thornton are due to meet on Monday, 20 July, with the winner taking on either Kevin Painter or local favourite Wes Newton in the second round.

Newcastle's Adrian Lewis meets Co Stompe, while Andy Hamilton, from Talke, faces debutant Gary Anderson.