"I wanted to get one over him": John Henderson reflects on Taylor withdrawal after World Seniors opener

Reigning World Seniors champion, John Henderson is up and running in York. After initially having the Phil Taylor clash, he had to adapt to Tony O'Shea late in the piece.

For Henderson who won 8-5, it was always about the opening win and everything else will follow from there.

"FIrst rounds are always tough for me. I always make it hard for myself. I obviously didn't do well here last year so I wanted to put one right. I have done that but the performance wasn't to the level that I've been playing recently. It's always this first round, get through the first round and I'll be alright," said Henderson to Online Darts.

"That was tough. Tough player, tough opponent. Tony (O'Shea) has come in late on and I feel for Tony. I know he can play better, he knows I can play better."

He also said it was a shame that he didn't play Phil Taylor with a hope in his mind after a previous crushing loss.

"I was due to play Phil Taylor, the World's best ever player. So I was in Whitby last week and I said I'm looking forward to playing you next week. Last time he played me he won in Blackpool like 10-2 so I wanted to get one over him. Not in a personal thing. When I got told he pulled out, I don't think I prepared any different no."

But now it is David Cameron. Albeit in this one, it is not about revenge but proving a point to himself for Henderson.

"Revenge has never been a thing in my vocabulary. It's just me trying to win another Senior's title. Hopefully I can prove to everybody why I am the World Champion."