World Champion Anderson showed his class in an epic battle with van Barneveld, the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts winner who continued his run of fine performances this week during a match where the lead changed hands six times.
Anderson had threatened to pull away in the early stages as he claimed four of the opening five legs, taking two breaks of throw in the process, only to see van Barneveld hit back to level with some fine darts.
The Dutchman then moved ahead for the first time with a sensational 164 checkout in leg 11, with Anderson replying with a 121 finish before a 68 combination moved the 2012 winner 7-6 up.
The World Champion then moved 8-7 ahead, only for van Barneveld to take the next two legs for a 9-8 cushion before Anderson landed double ten and then hit six perfect darts with two 180s in an 11-darter to move 10-9 up.
A sublime 126 bull finish saw van Barneveld level again before he took out 78 to lead 11-10, with the next five legs going with throw to see the pair locked at 13-all.
Anderson then took out 96 for a 12-darter to break throw and claim a crucial 14-13 lead before then following his 11th 180 with a 100 finish for an 11-darter to move to the brink of victory.
Van Barneveld's fight continued as he opened leg 29 with scores of 180 and 177, but after missing out on a possible nine-darter the Dutchman was unable to land the bull to finish 84, and Anderson followed two further maximums with tops for another 11-darter to seal an epic win.
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