Thursday 27 July 2017 18:06, UK
Phil Taylor will face Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay Darts after romping to an 11-3 victory over Raymond van Barneveld.
Wednesday night's second-round clash at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool was billed as potentially the final televised match between two legends of the sport, but The Power reeled off the final seven legs as he cruised to victory with an average of 102.
Taylor broke Van Barneveld twice in the opening three legs, but the Dutchman narrowed the gap to 3-2 and then 4-3 during a tense opening to the encounter.
But after winning the eighth leg on double one, Taylor never looked back and stormed to victory against an opponent who constantly wasted opportunities at doubles.
As Van Barneveld's challenge faded, Taylor took the match on double eight to keep alive his dream of a 16th World Matchplay victory in his final appearance in this tournament.
His next match will be a mouth-watering clash against Van Gerwen on Friday evening after the Dutchman overcame Simon Whitlock 11-3 in their second-round clash.
Whitlock broke the world number one in the third leg of the match, but fell 3-1 behind in the next leg when he missed two darts at double 13.
The Australian missed more doubles as he lost the sixth leg and Van Gerwen narrowly missed a 170 checkout on the bullseye in leg eight as he won six in a row to take an 8-1 lead.
Whitlock rallied late on, but Van Gerwen, who averaged below 100, sealed victory on double 10 to set up a dream clash with Taylor and continue his quest for a third straight World Matchplay title.
Adrian Lewis also reached the quarter-finals after a fine 11-8 victory over rising star Rob Cross.
The former world champion, who is playing despite surgery on a back muscle six weeks ago, was forced to show his class by his opponent and produced a brilliant 144 checkout in the eighth leg.
Cross who averaged 104 in defeat in only his second ever match at the World Matchplay, missed a rare dart at double 16 in the 18th leg, allowing Lewis to earn a break of throw.
And he capitalised by hitting double top in the very next game to hold throw and secure a narrow victory over a player who will surely grace this stage again for years to come.
Lewis will play Alan Norris in the quarter-final after he saw off fifth seed Dave Chisnall 14-12 in a thrilling opening match of the evening.
A total of 26 legs were eventually needed to separate the players with Norris hitting five three-figure check-outs to see off the power scoring of his opponent.
Chisnall opened the match with seven perfect darts before missing treble-19 for a nine-dart opportunity and led 7-4 at one stage before Norris reeled off five straight legs to take charge.
Chisnall broke back at 10-9 down to take the match into extra-time, but a superb 109 checkout saw Norris break throw in the 25th leg, before he took out 100 on double top to reach the last eight of the World Matchplay for the first time.
Watch all the action from the World Matchplay Darts at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from 7pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event on Thursday night, or watch for £6.99 without a contract on NOW TV. The arrows run right through until the final on Sunday, July 30.
Who will win the World Matchplay at the world famous Empress Ballroom? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting @SkySportsDarts or by using the comments box below - sign in with Facebook. Follow us on Twitter & use #LoveTheDarts
