Grand Slam of Darts: Phil Taylor hits top form as Bunting, Smith and King progress
Wednesday 12 November 2014 07:30, UK
Phil Taylor closed in on a place in the second round of the Grand Slam of Darts with a record average in a 5-1 victory over Christian Kist, as Stephen Bunting, Michael Smith and Mervyn King all secured places in the last 16.
Reigning champion Taylor followed up Saturday's whitewash of Richie George at the Wolves Civic with an imperious display against Dutchman Kist, as his 114.65 average broke the previous Grand Slam record.
Taylor hit two 180s in the opening leg before finishes of 98, tops and 88 moved him 3-0 up in the blink of an eye.
A missed bullseye for a 170 finish allowed Kist in to land double 11 to hit back, but Taylor traded 180s with the former Lakeside champion as he moved 4-1 up before the 54-year-old powered home a 131 checkout to seal victory in style.
"Christian was superb and he put me under pressure, and it was a great game," said Taylor, whose average was the ninth highest ever on television. "I'm relaxed and I think I'm going to play well this week.
"I've still got some work to do but this was a great win for me."
Taylor now needs to win just one leg in Tuesday's third Group E game against Andy Hamilton to secure qualification as he takes on his Stoke rival in a repeat of the 2007 final.
Hamilton had earlier kick-started his challenge in the event as he overcame George 5-2, coming from a leg down to claim victory.
Former World Youth champion Smith, meanwhile, edged past Peter Wright 5-4 to secure his qualification from Group F after picking up back-to-back victories.
Smith's result eliminated Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan, who was a 5-3 loser to Simon Whitlock as the Australian picked up his first win in a televised game since August by coming from 2-0 down to take victory.
King edged through to the last 16 as he secured qualification from Group G with a narrow 5-4 win over James Wade.
Tony O'Shea kept his hopes alive with a 5-3 win over Jamie Caven, who was eliminated after a second successive defeat.
Bunting's excellent debut in the tournament continued as he averaged 102.73 in a 5-2 defeat of Gary Anderson to secure progression from Group H.
Holland's Wesley Harms now faces a decisive clash with Anderson on Tuesday after he took out a 156 checkout on his way to a 5-3 win over Dean Winstanley, who is knocked out following two defeats.
