Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson reach World Matchplay quarter-finals in Blackpool
Former Lakeside champion Steve Beaton turns back time to join big boys
Thursday 21 July 2016 16:16, UK
Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson marched on at the World Matchplay, while Steve Beaton turned back the clock to follow the big boys through to the quarter-finals on another barmy night at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Taylor, the 15-time World Matchplay champion, was back to his imperious best on his favourite stage as he cruised past Mensur Suljovic 11-5 to set up a meeting against Mervyn King, on Friday.
Anderson, reached the quarter-finals for only the second time at The Winter Gardens, and put an end to his miserable record against Terry Jenkins with a masterful performance, while Beaton sealed a surprising victory by eliminating the former PDC World Youth champion and world No 7 Michael Smith in a high-quality tungsten tussle.
Phil 'The Power' Taylor averaged 101.11, with four 180s and 48 per cent on his doubles to roar through to the quarter-finals.
The scoring deserted Austria's methodical Suljovic, a quarter-finalist in Blackpool last year, after breaking in the fifth leg to close the gap to 3-2 against Taylor at the intermission.
Taylor then reeled off four legs on the bounce before the world No 17 held throw, but the former world No 1 looked comfortable at 7-3 and the 55-year-old wrapped up the win with ease to set up a clash with King.
"Bit messy, a bit sloppy, it upset me a little," Taylor told Sky Sports of his finishing. "I'm going to sharpen up now and get ready for Friday and play proper now."
In a real tungsten arm wrestle, King reached his first Matchplay quarter-final in seven years after coming through 11-8 against 'The History Maker', Brendan Dolan.
In their first meeting in two years both players struggled to gain a stranglehold on the match.
Live World Matchplay Darts
But with an average of 90, the 50-year-old Norfolk thrower, who upset James Wade in the first round, broke at 8-8 and finished things off with double 10 to end Dolan's hopes.
Two-time World Matchplay finalist Jenkins had won 12 out of the last 13 against Anderson, but had no answer against 'The Flying Scotsman' this time around.
Anderson, who blitzed Alan Norris 10-1 in the first round, swept Jenkins aside with an impressive 100.76 three-dart average and 55 per cent on the doubles and will play Beaton next.
"Steve Beaton has been brilliant on the Pro Tour so I will have to play well," said Anderson. "It would be nice to win the title in Blackpool. I've not done well here so it would be nice to win it."
Beaton sealed another surprising victory by eliminating Smith.
After upsetting Jelle Klaasen in the first round, 'The Bronzed Adonis' reached the last eight at The Winter Gardens for the first time since 2001 with a calm and composed display against the up-and-coming Smith.
In a match that illuminated Blackpool, the 1996 Lakeside champion nailed a stunning early 160 checkout before establishing a four leg lead. Despite some resistance from 'The Bully Boy' Beaton rocked on the oche, showing no signs of nerves to close out the game.
"It's been a long time," said the 52-year-old, who averaged 99.16 with 65 per cent on his checkouts. "I actually though Michael slowed it down and that helped me. My finishing was good.
"The competition is brilliant. The whole thing is brilliant. I play for the buzz. I'm getting paid to do something I love."
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