PHIL TAYLOR 5-3 MERVYN KING

PHIL TAYLOR secured his third straight Group E victory at the 2011 William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a hard-fought 5-3 victory against Mervyn King.

King was 2-1 ahead in the early stages of the contest but Taylor regained control to top the Group and eliminate his opponent in the process with the aid of a three-dart average of 100.93.

"That was a proper game of darts tonight," said Taylor who is looking for his fourth Grand Slam title.

"Mervyn played very well and produced some excellent darts, so it's a great feeling to win the match."

Taylor hit double 10 to win the opening leg before King replied to take the second by taking out 68 in two-darts.

King, who defeated James Hubbard in his second Group E match, hit double 16 at the first time of asking to break throw and establish a 2-1 lead.

Taylor broke-back immediately with an impressive 13-darter and then won his third leg of the match on double one which confirmed King's elimination from the event.

King hit double eight to square the game at three apiece but Taylor won the seventh leg with his second 13-darter of the game to lead again.

King held the advantage of throw in the eighth but a 180 from Taylor took control of the leg and he won the leg with a 79 finish to win the match.