Saturday, 19 November 2011

PHIL TAYLOR 10-3 WES NEWTON

PHIL TAYLOR stormed into the quarter-finals of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a sensational display to defeat Wes Newton 10-3, averaging 112.37 in the process.

Taylor produced the best individual performance of the tournament so far, being matched for 180s by Newton as the pair shared eight but finishing 71 percent of his 14 chances at a double and ending the game with his highest ever Grand Slam match average.

The average also eclipsed James Wade's 111.03 which he hit during the 2008 tournament against Denis Ovens as Taylor set up a tantalising clash with Paul Nicholson on Saturday night.

Taylor looked in top form from the start, hitting a 180 with his second throw and taking the opening leg with a 96 finish for an 11-darter.

He finished 65 on tops for the second leg and double ten to win the third against the throw in 12 darts before landing a 116 checkout to move four legs clear.

Taylor was also waiting on a finish in the fifth, but Newton posted a 180 and double top to get off the mark.

The pair traded 14-darters in the next two legs before Taylor finished double 12 for a 13-dart finish as he moved 6-2 up and edged towards the win.

Newton replied with a third maximum and double 16 to win his third leg of the game in the ninth, but Taylor restored his advantage with double 16 for another 13-darter to lead 7-3.

He finished 50 to win the next and an 11-darter - his second of the contest, despite a 180 from Newton - moved Taylor to the brink of victory which he sealed in 14 darts in the next leg.

"It's a brilliant win for me but I didn't expect the score to be so comfortable," said Taylor. "Wes usually starts really well against me and I thought this would be the same, and when I went 4-0 up I suddenly got really nervous.

"I calmed down again and am pleased with how I played. It will be a cracking quarter-final against Paul Nicholson, because he's playing well and we'll both be up for it.

"Paul's a great character, I like him and he's great for the game."

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