PHIL TAYLOR v KEVIN PAINTER

PHIL TAYLOR hit a stunning nine-dart finish in coming from 5-3 down to defeat Kevin Painter 8-5 in the McCoy's Premier League Darts in Aberdeen.

Taylor, who famously landed two perfect legs in the 2010 Premier League Darts final, hit his 13th nine-darter in all competitions in a brilliant performance which brought the 4,000 sell-out AECC crowd to its feet.

Premier League newcomer Painter had led 3-0 and also took out 127 and 123 to move 5-3 up before Taylor won the ninth leg and hit his nine-darter in the next to level.

He opened with a 180 and then landed a 174 score before taking out 147 on double 18 to achieve the feat.

He then took out 72, 100 and double eight to secure an 8-5 victory, and said: "I'm overwhelmed to have hit the nine-darter.

"Kevin was playing really well and had hit some fantastic finishes to take the lead, and I knew I had to do something extraordinary to crack him.

"I thought I would do a nine-darter earlier in the match but it came at the perfect time. It's always the tough games that you do something like this because you're not thinking about it, and it shows that everything I'm doing at the moment with my preparation, I'm doing right."

Painter had started the game superbly, landing a 180 in the opening leg and finishing 80 on tops to break throw after Taylor missed a dart at double 16.

Taylor would also miss one dart in each of the next two legs as Painter took out double ten and 61 to move 3-0 up.

Taylor replied superbly to win the fourth, opening with a 177 and finishing 132 to get off the mark.

Painter finished 127 on double eight to lead 4-1, but Taylor hit a 180 in another 12-darter before posting double top to reduce the gap to one leg.

Another ton-plus finish from Painter, who took out 123 on the bullseye, saw him move 5-3 up before Taylor launched an incredible barrage.

After finishing double 16 with his third dart to take the ninth leg, Taylor posted his incredible nine-darter to win the tenth and level, before taking out 72 on double 16 to lead for the first time.

He landed a 171 and a 100 checkout for another 12-darter to move 7-5 up, and then sealed a memorable victory by following a 177 with double eight.

"Phil's a legend and the nine-darter showed what he's capable of," said Painter. "I was doing quite well at 5-3 up but you always know that Phil can come back.

"I think if he hadn't hit the nine-darter I might have got the draw or even the win, but it spurred him on and he played some lovely darts after that.

"But there won't be many players who will take five legs from him in the McCoy's Premier League so I'm pleased with that. I played well and I'm loving every second of the Premier League so far."