PHIL TAYLOR powered into the last 16 of the William Hill World Darts Championship with a straight sets win over Mark Webster on Sunday night, but Adrian Lewis and Dean Winstanley survived scares before progressing to the third round.
Webster had knocked out Taylor at Alexandra Palace four years ago, but the 16-time World Champion looked refreshed following his Christmas break, and averaged 101.92 as he cruised into the third round.
Although the left-hander had a chance to take set two, his missed opportunity allowed Taylor in for a 2-0 lead before the number two seed took six of the next seven legs to progress.
It was more his consistent scoring that did the damage, with Taylor hitting 14 scores of 140 or more and more often than not starting the leg with a heavy scoring to put Webster under instant pressure - resulting in the Welshman winning just four legs in the match.
Two of those came with brilliant finishes, a 117 giving him a break and a ray of hope of winning the second set, and a 125 using a combination of bull, outer bull and another bull to win his only leg of the third set.
Taylor responded to both of those by winning the set, and he raced through the fourth set 3-0 to seal victory in just over 38 minutes and book a last 16 encounter with Belgium's Kim Huybrechts.
"I thought it was a good game," said Taylor. "Mark put me under pressure at times when he hit the right shots at the right time, but he missed a few crucial shots and let me in - especially at the end of te second set.
"If you can win a set it can change everything straight away, if Mark had won that second set then it could have all been different - all of a sudden he's back in the game and I'd have a real match on my hands.
"I'm feeling great, I've had lots of practice, I've had lots of rest and I've done everything right. My preparation has been spot-on, you have to prepare right if you want to win this thing and I've done everything I can.
"It should be a cracking match against Kim, he's a great player, but I'm ready for him."
It was far from easy for double World Champion Adrian Lewis though, as Keegan Brown proved he belongs on the big stage with a determined performance full of promise for the future as he pushed the number three all the way in a 4-2 defeat.
Lewis bossed the scoring charts throughout the match but a tenacious Brown showed he truly belongs on the big stage as time after time he stepped in with crucial doubles, forcing the UK Open champion to produce some of his best darts to progress.
Lewis averaged just over 100 with eight 180s and 24 140-plus scores, but it could have been higher had he taken more than 14 of his 40 shots at a double, with Brown's 14 doubles from 33 attempts complementing a 93 average.
After defeat John Part in the opening match of the tournament, Brown sensed another upset as he took out 124 on the bull to win the first set, and from there it was a battle all the way as every remaining set went the full five legs.
Brown also led 2-1, but Lewis levelled the game with a brilliant 134 finish to take the fourth set - hitting treble 18 and two double tops - before a ten-darter helped him to take the fifth and a 122 checkout secured victory in set six.
"You never give in, and I think that's the key to a champion," said Lewis, who will face either Raymond van Barneveld or Jamie Caven in the third round.
"Keegan's a young lad coming through and he played fantastic; he showed a lot of bottle. I had to dig in really deep there at the end, I just had to keep going at him and I'm relieved to get through that one."
Dean Winstanley almost blew a 2-0 lead as he had to eventually come through a seventh set tie-break to edge out Darren Webster 4-3 as he reached the last 16 at Alexandra Palace for the first time.
Winstanley cruised into a two-set lead and also led 2-0 in the third set before the Norfolk ace - a former quarter-finalist - fought back superbly to win three successive sets and turn the match on its head.
Yorkshireman Winstanley showed his desire by stemming the tide and winning the sixth set to stay in the match, and in a tense finale he produced the goods with three successive legs giving him the deciding set 4-2 in a tie-break.
Winstanley hit seven 180s, 24 140s and averaged 92, a point less than Webster, but had a much better checkout percentage as he landed 45 percent of his doubles to book a last 16 tie with either Vincent van der Voort on Max Hopp.
"Darren did what he always does - he never gives in," said Winstanley. "I knew that even though I was two sets up it wasn't over, I knew he'd come back at me and he did.
"He's like a Yorkshire Terrier who just wouldn't let go, and when it went to 2-2 in the final set I knew I had to give everything to try and win it, and that's what I managed to do.
"I always seem to let players back in when I should be winning but I just did enough in the end, I'm through, and I can move on now. I'm in the last 16 for the first time so who says I can't go all the way now!"
In the afternoon session, Cristo Reyes created a piece of history as he became the first Spanish player to reach the last 16 of the William Hill World Darts Championship, coming from 3-1 down to defeat Kevin Painter 4-3 in a dramatic second round clash, while Kim Huybrechts and Andy Hamilton also moved through to round three on Sunday afternoon.
After coming through a field of 154 players in the Iberian Qualifier just to win a place at Alexandra Palace, Reyes defeated Christian Perez and number 13 seed Wes Newton on the opening night of the tournament before Christmas.
The Tenerife ace looked a long way from causing another upset as Painter moved 3-1 up in sets, but Reyes showed his nerve by winning the next two sets 3-2, before dominating the deciding set with three successive legs to earn a shock win and a third round clash with Gary Anderson.
Reyes sensed an upset as he took the first set. Despite Painter hitting two 180s in one leg Reyes checked out 66 and then held his nerve in the decider to win the set 3-2, but it all looked to be going wrong from there as the 2004 finalist won the next six legs on the spin.
Painter took the second set 3-1 and then took out 60 three times on the bounce to win the third 3-0, before Reyes eventually stopped the rot by winning the first leg of the fourth set.
Painter, though, answered with a 141 finish and went on to claim a third successive set as he opened up a 3-1 lead.
Reyes - who survived a sudden-death leg against Newton in the first round - again showed he can hold his nerve on the big stage as he bravely fought his way back, crucially winning the deciding leg of the fifth set when Painter left himself on 163 and unable to finish.
Painter took out 65 and 54 to go ahead in the sixth, but Reyes hit back to level an enthralling game at three sets all.
With the momentum going into the deciding set, Reyes hit two 180s in the first leg to break the throw of Painter, who also hit a maximum, before taking out 44 and then 72 in two darts to seal a famous victory.
"It's incredible, I'm speechless really," said Reyes. "I will always fight right until the end, even though I was 3-1 down I was always going to fight until the last dart.
"Until the referee calls the final shot I always think I can win, and until the last dart goes in I will always keep going - that's the way I always play and that won't change.
"We have flights booked for tonight so we'll have to go and try to change them now and try and book the hotel for an extra few days so I can stay here and prepare for the next match in a few days - but that's a happy thing for me to do."
Kim Huybrechts exacted revenge in kind on Ian White as he won a see-saw battle 4-3 in the second round - having lost by the same scoreline when the pair met at Alexandra Palace 12 months ago.
White won the first set before Huybrechts went 2-1 up, only to see the Stoke ace take seven legs in a row to lead 3-2.
Huybrechts, though, regained his stride to win the next two sets as he moves through to a third round clash with either Phil Taylor or Mark Webster.
There was hardly anything between the players, with both averaging just under 94 and winning 14 legs in total. White held the edge with ten 180s to Huybrechts' six and also had a better checkout percentage, but it was the Belgian who emerged victorious.
"It was not about revenge, it was all about today and about this match," said Huybrechts. "Of course I remember losing 4-3 last year, but I was not thinking about that up on the stage during this match.
"When I was losing 3-2 I knew I had to be a bit more aggressive, that's part of my game and how I deal with the nerves. Some players don't like to show their emotions too much but players like myself and Michael van Gerwen celebrate almost every leg.
"I'm a nervous player and I get a bit tight in the arm at times, so celebrating a double helps get rid of some of that tension - every leg is a leg closer to winning the match so I like to celebrate."
Andy Hamilton also came from behind to claim victory, recovering from a 2-1 defecit to produce a powerful finish as he overcame Kyle Anderson 4-2.
2012 runner-up Hamilton set up a third round clash with last year's beaten finalist Peter Wright with a trademark battling performance as he responded from going 2-1 behind by winning nine of the next 12 legs to storm through to another third round.
Hamilton's 90.06 average was just under below Anderson's, and the Australian also hit one more 180 with three to Hamilton's two, but it was the finishing power of Hamilton that proved to be the difference.
Hamilton finished almost 43 percent of his chances on doubles and took out 116 and four 80-plus outshots, and although Anderson took out a 156 he could not match the better consistency of the Stoke ace.
“It was tough game, I battled hard and I had to battle hard to win that one,” said Hamilton. "That’s how I win games - my games always seem to be hard work, I always fight hard and never give up.
"Peter Wright’s a great player but I’m not scared of anyone really; it’s all about me and my game. I’m just going to play my own game and let the result take care of itself."
The second round concludes with the remaining four games in Monday's double session, with Brendan Dolan taking on Michael Smith in the afternoon session's opening game.
German teenager Max Hopp then plays Vincent van der Voort and five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld takes on Jamie Caven, with the evening session opening with the eagerly-awaited clash between James Wade and Stephen Bunting.
The third round then begins with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen taking on Terry Jenkins and Robert Thornton playing Dutch youngster Benito van de Pas.
On The Wire - Episode Eight, Sunday December 28
Dan Dawson with Rod Harrington
Featuring day eight review, match reaction from an angry Phil Taylor, "It's All About The Youth", Dean Winstanley's Face Cream and your chance to win a signed board - plus the return of Dancers vs Walk-On Girls!
GET INVOLVED
Join in the conversation online during the William hill World Darts Championship with the PDC's Social Media channels:
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WATCH LIVE
Coverage of the William Hill World Darts Championship will be live through the following broadcasters
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PLUS every session is live through LIVEPDC.TV for International Pass Subscribers (outside of UK, Ireland & Holland), with highlights available for all subscribers worldwide on a 24-hour delay.
LIVE SCORES
If you can't watch the William Hill World Darts Championship, follow the latest scores at the PDC Live Scores Website - http://live.dartsdata.com
EVENT PROGRAMME
The William World Darts Championship programme is available from sellers in the Fans Village at Alexandra Palace, costing £5.
The programme will also be available to purchase online through Programme Master at this link .
WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Second Round
Sunday December 28
Afternoon Session
Andy Hamilton 4-2 Kyle Anderson
Cristo Reyes 4-3 Kevin Painter
Ian White 3-4 Kim Huybrechts
Evening Session
Darren Webster 3-4 Dean Winstanley
Phil Taylor 4-0 Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis 4-2 Keegan Brown
Second Round - Best of Seven Sets, Best of Five Legs Per Set
MATCH INFORMATION
ANDY HAMILTON 4-2 KYLE ANDERSON
(3-1, 1-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
ANDY HAMILTON came from 2-1 down to produce a powerful finish and defeat Kyle Anderson 4-2 in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship.
2012 runner-up Hamilton set-up a third round clash with last year's beaten finalist Peter Wright with a trademark battling performance as he responded from going 2-1 behind by winning nine of the next 12 legs to storm through to another third round.
Hamilton's 90.06 average was just under a point lower than Anderson's, and the Australian also hit one more 180 with three to Hamilton's two, but it was the finishing power of the Stoke ace that proved the difference.
Hamilton finished almost 43 percent of his chances on doubles and took out 116 and four 80-plus outshots, and although Anderson took out a 156 he could not match the better consistency of the Stoke ace.
Hamilton moved ahead with a 116 in the third leg, and he took the set with a break in the next sealed by a 52 checkout.
Anderson levelled in set two, opening with a brilliant 156 checkout before a 13-darter involving a 140 and 180 doubled his lead and a 14-darter clinched the set.
Anderson was flying, and after a 14-darter made it two legs all in the third set he followed up with a 114 checkout to take the decider and move ahead for the first time.
Hamilton, a renowned fighter, hit an 84 finish in set four, and a break of throw helped him level the game before an 86 checkout for a break of throw handed him the fifth set and a 3-2 lead, after Anderson had missed crucial doubles to stay in the set.
An 81 finish on the bull made it seven legs out of eight for Hamilton, and although Anderson broke back immediately the Stoke star hit a 180 in taking the next and then punished three missed doubles from his opponent to seal the win.
“It was tough game, I battled hard and I had to battle hard to win that one,” said Hamilton. "That’s how I win games - my games always seem to be hard work, I always fight hard and never give up.
"Peter Wright’s a great player but I’m not scared of anyone really; it’s all about me and my game. I’m just going to play my own game and let the result take care of itself."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - A 52 outshot to start from Hamilton is followed by a 116 checkout to make it 2-1 before another 52 breaks throw to seal the set.
Second Set 1-3 - Brilliant 156 from Anderson to kick-off the set, and he follows it with a 180 in a 13-darter. He misses three doubles for the set as Hamilton hits back, but Anderson takes the next with a 14-darter.
Third Set 2-3 - A 180 from Anderson levels at 1-1, and a 14-darter later makes it 2-2. A 15-darter finished off with a 114 finish secures a break and the set for Anderson.
Fourth Set 3-1 - A 58 to start the set puts Anderson ahead, but Hamilton wins the next three, with an 84 checkout the highlight, to level the game.
Fifth Set 3-1 - A 96 outshot caps a 14-darter for Anderson, who hits a 180 in the next but loses the leg thanks to missed doubles. Hamilton then claims the set with an 86 finish for a break.
Sixth Set 3-1 - A 180 and 81 finish on the bull for Hamilton gives him the opener before another break, thanks to a 180, puts him 2-1 ahead, and after missing six darts for the match he finally seals progression at the seventh attempt.
Match Stats
| Andy Hamilton | 4-2 | Kyle Anderson |
| 36 | 100+ | 23 |
| 16 | 140+ | 21 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 2 | 180 | 3 |
| 90.06 | Average | 90.96 |
| 116 | High Finish | 156 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 15/35 - 43% | Checkout % | 10/27 - 37% |
CRISTO REYES 4-3 KEVIN PAINTER
(3-1, 1-3, 0-3, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-0)
CRISTO REYES created a piece of history as he became the first Spanish player to reach the last 16 of the William Hill World Darts Championship, coming from 3-1 down to defeat Kevin Painter 4-3 in a dramatic second round clash.
After coming through a field of 154 players in the Iberian Qualifier just to win a place at Alexandra Palace, Reyes defeated Christian Perez and number 13 seed Wes Newton on the opening night of the tournament before Christmas.
The Tenerife ace looked a long way from causing another upset as Painter moved 3-1 up in sets, but Reyes showed his nerve by winning the next two sets 3-2, before dominating the deciding set with three successive legs to earn a shock win and a third round clash with Gary Anderson.
Reyes sensed an upset as he took the first set. Despite Painter hitting two 180s in one leg Reyes checked out 66 and then held his nerve in the decider to win the set 3-2, but it all looked to be going wrong from there as the 2004 finalist won the next six legs on the spin.
Painter took the second set 3-1 and then took out 60 three times on the bounce to win the third 3-0, before Reyes eventually stopped the rot by winning the first leg of the fourth set.
Painter, though, answered with a 141 finish and went on to claim a third successive set as he opened up a 3-1 lead.
Reyes - who survived a sudden-death leg against Newton in the first round - again showed he can hold his nerve on the big stage as he bravely fought his way back, crucially winning the deciding leg of the fifth set when Painter left himself on 163 and unable to finish.
Painter took out 65 and 54 to go ahead in the sixth, but Reyes hit back to level an enthralling game at three sets all.
With the momentum going into the deciding set, Reyes hit two 180s in the first leg to break the throw of Painter, who also hit a maximum, before taking out 44 and then 72 in two darts to seal a famous victory.
"It's incredible, I'm speechless really," said Reyes. "I will always fight right until the end, even though I was 3-1 down I was always going to fight until the last dart.
"Until the referee calls the final shot I always think I can win, and until the last dart goes in I will always keep going - that's the way I always play and that won't change.
"We have flights booked for tonight so we'll have to go and try to change them now and try and book the hotel for an extra few days so I can stay here and prepare for the next match in a few days - but that's a happy thing for me to do."
Match Information
First Set 3-2 - Back-to-back 180s for Painter but Reyes takes out 66 to make it 1-1. Painter levels but Reyes hits double 16 for the set.
Second Set 1-3 - Reyes hits two 180s but loses both legs as Painter takes out legs of 14, 15 and 14 darts to win the set and level.
Third Set 0-3 - Strangley it's a hat-trick of 60 checkouts for Painter that do the damage, and he also hits his fourth 180 as he moves ahead.
Fourth Set 2-3 - A brilliant 141 from Painter in the second leg levels before a 180 helps Reyes move 2-1 up, but Painter takes the next two legs, punishing his opponent in the decider by taking out double three.
Fifth Set 3-2 - Reyes takes out 55 and Painter 65 as it goes to 2-2. Reyes misses the bull for the set but Painter has left himself on 163 and can't finish - Reyes returns to stay in the match.
Sixth Set 3-2 - Again it goes the distance as Reyes breaks the Painter throw to stay in the match at 2-2, before taking the decider again to level the match.
Seventh Set 3-0 - Reyes runs through this one with two 180s in a break in the first leg, a 44 outshot in the second and a 72 in the third to claim a famous victory.
Match Stats
| Cristo Reyes | 4-3 | Kevin Painter |
| 31 | 100+ | 31 |
| 19 | 140+ | 21 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 9 | 180 | 5 |
| 88.41 | Average | 90.22 |
| 72 | High Finish | 141 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 5 |
| 15/42 - 36% | Checkout % | 15/34 - 44% |
IAN WHITE 3-4 KIM HUYBRECHTS
(3-2, 2-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 1-3, 0-3)
KIM HUYBRECHTS exacted revenge in kind on Ian White as he won a see-saw battle 4-3 in the second round - having lost by the same scoreline when the pair met at Alexandra Palace 12 months ago.
White won the first set before Huybrechts went 2-1 up, only to see the Stoke ace take seven legs in a row to lead 3-2.
Huybrechts, though, regained his stride to win the next two sets as he moves through to a third round clash with either Phil Taylor or Mark Webster.
There was hardly anything between the players, with both averaging just under 94 and winning 14 legs in total. White held the edge with ten 180s to Huybrechts' six and also had a better checkout percentage, but it was the Belgian who emerged victorious.
Momentum was key in the match, as White pinched a close first set with a 95 finish in the fifth leg, but outshot of 86 in the first and 85 in the last gave Huybrechts a similar close win in the second, despite an 11-darter from the Stoke man.
The third set followed the first two in going the full five legs, and despite hitting three 180s and checking out 113 White fell behind as Huybrechts hit a crucial 180 to leave double eight in the second leg and a 180 to leave 32 for a 13-darter in the fifth.
White then burst into life as he took seven legs on the spin, including finishes of 100 and 101 and an 11-darter, as he took a 3-2 lead, but again Huybrechts swung the match his way by taking the sixth set 3-1.
A decider turned out to be one-sided for the Belgian as he started off with an 89 checkout, added a break of throw on double 16 and hit a 180 and double eight to seal the match.
"It was not about revenge, it was all about today and about this match," said Huybrechts. "Of course I remember losing 4-3 last year, but I was not thinking about that up on the stage during this match.
"When I was losing 3-2 I knew I had to be a bit more aggressive, that's part of my game and how I deal with the nerves. Some players don't like to show their emotions too much but players like myself and Michael van Gerwen celebrate almost every leg.
"I'm a nervous player and I get a bit tight in the arm at times, so celebrating a double helps get rid of some of that tension - every leg is a leg closer to winning the match so I like to celebrate."
Match Information
First Set 3-2 - Both men hit a 180, but White pinches the set with a 95 outshot in the decider.
Second Set 2-3 - 86 starts Huybrechts off, White responds with an 11-darter but Huybrechts finishes 60 to force a decier. Both hit 180s but this time Huybrechts takes out 85 to level the game.
Third Set 2-3 - A 180 sets up double 18 for Huybrechts in the second leg for 2-0. A 113 finish helps White to level but Huybrechts again takes the decider with a 13-darter.
Fourth Set 3-0 - White takes all three legs, with a 68 outshot and a 101 finish aiding his cause.
Fifth Set 3-0 - Another clean sweep for White features a 100 checkout in the first leg.
SIxth Set 1-3 - An 11-darter to start for White continues his run, but a 180 helps Huybrechts respond. He then breaks and hits double 16 in the fourth to level the game.
Seventh Set 0-3 - The deciding set turns out to be one-sided, with an 89 finish first up for Huybrechts, then a break on double 16 and a 180 in the third leg finished off with double eight.
Match Stats
| Ian White | 3-4 | Kim Huybrechts |
| 29 | 100+ | 30 |
| 19 | 140+ | 16 |
| 1 | 170+ | 1 |
| 10 | 180 | 6 |
| 93.94 | Average | 93.74 |
| 113 | High Finish | 105 |
| 7 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 14/35 - 40% | Checkout % | 14/39 - 36% |
EVEINNG SESSION
DARREN WEBSTER 3-4 DEAN WINSTANLEY
(1-3, 1-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2, 1-3, 2-4)
DEAN WINSTANLEY almost blew a 2-0 lead as he had to eventually come through a seventh set tie-break to edge out Darren Webster 4-3 as he reached the last 16 at the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time.
Winstanley cruised into a two-set lead and also led 2-0 in the third set before the Norfolk ace - a former quarter-finalist - fought back superbly to win three successive sets and turn the match on its head.
Yorkshireman Winstanley showed his desire by stemming the tide and winning the sixth set to stay in the match, and in a tense finale he produced the goods with three successive legs giving him the deciding set 4-2 in a tie-break.
Winstanley hit seven 180s, 24 140s and averaged 92, a point less than Webster, but had a much better checkout percentage as he landed 45 percent of his doubles to book a last 16 tie with either Vincent van der Voort on Max Hopp.
Winstanley started the match with a 180 in the first two legs on his way to the first set, and he doubled that lead with a 113 the highlight of a 3-1 win in the second.
Two more 180s made it 2-0 to Winstanley in the third and he was cruising, but Webster then launched his comeback with three straight legs to pinch the set, before he pulled out a 14-darter in the deciding leg of the fourth set to level the match at 2-2.
Webster, the 2007 quarter-finalist at the Circus Tavern, raised his game just at the right time again in the fifth as he produced another 14-darter in a deciding leg to move ahead for the first time.
The pair swapped 80-plus finishes in the sixth before Winstanley took it to force a decider, which inevitably went to a tie-break.
Winstanley raised his own game when needed though, hitting a 101 finish, a 79 checkout to break and finished off the win in the next to claim the set 4-2 and victory.
"Darren did what he always does - he never gives in," said Winstanley. "I knew that even though I was two sets up it wasn't over, I knew he'd come back at me and he did.
"He's like a Yorkshire Terrier who just wouldn't let go, and when it went to 2-2 in the final set I knew I had to give everything to try and win it, and that's what I managed to do.
"I always seem to let players back in when I should be winning but I just did enough in the end, I'm through, and I can move on now. I'm in the last 16 for the first time so who says I can't go all the way now!"
Match Information
First Set 1-3 - Winstanley kicks off the match with a 180, and hits double 18 for the leg. Starts the second with another 180 and wins it with a 47 outshot. Webster takes 76 out but Winstanley wins the next for the set.
Second set 1-3 - The players swap legs to start the set, WInstanley then hits another 180 and brilliant 113 checkout to go ahead and wins the set with a 91 on the bull.
Third Set 3-2 - Two 180s help Winstanley to win the first two legs, but Webster hits back in style taking the next three, hitting a 180, double ten and a double 12 to win the set.
Fourth Set 3-2 - Winstanley edges 2-1 ahead with a 72 outshot, but a 62 levels for Webster who then pinches the deciding leg again with a 14-darter.
Fifth Set 3-2 - Webster leads for the first time in the match. Winstanley takes the first leg with both hitting 180s. Webster takes the next two, with a 56 checkout in the second. Winstanley levels but Webster hits a 14-darter with a 71 finish for the set.
Sixth Set 1-3 - Webster hits 80 to level but Winstanley finishes 81 for 2-1. Both men miss doubles in the next, Webster's three missed tops give Winstanley the chance to hit double five with his last dart to level.
Seventh Set 2-4 - Webster holds throw to take a 2-1 lead, but Winstanley levels with a 101 finish, lands a 180 and a 79 checkout to break and then holds on double five to claim victory 4-2 in the tie-break.
Match Stats
| Darren Webster | 3-4 | Dean Winstanley |
| 56 | 100+ | 46 |
| 24 | 140+ | 26 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 7 |
| 93.59 | Average | 92.68 |
| 80 | High Finish | 113 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 14/46 - 30% | Checkout % | 19/42 - 45% |
PHIL TAYLOR 4-0 MARK WEBSTER
(3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0)
PHIL TAYLOR made short work of former Lakeside Champion Mark Webster with a 4-0 whitewash as he a third round spot in the William Hill World Darts Championship.
Webster had knocked out Taylor at Alexandra Palace four years ago, but the 16-time World Champion looked refreshed following his Christmas break, and averaged 101.92 as he cruised into the third round.
Although the left-hander had a chance to take set two, his missed opportunity allowed Taylor in for a 2-0 lead before the number two seed took six of the next seven legs to progress.
It was more his consistent scoring that did the damage, with Taylor hitting 14 scores of 140 or more and more often than not starting the leg with a heavy scoring to put Webster under instant pressure - resulting in the Welshman winning just four legs in the match.
Two of those came with brilliant finishes, a 117 giving him a break and a ray of hope of winning the second set, and a 125 using a combination of bull, outer bull and another bull to win his only leg of the third set.
Taylor responded to both by winning the set, and he raced through the fourth set 3-0 to seal victory in just over 38 minutes and book a last 16 encounter with Belgium's Kim Huybrechts.
"I thought it was a good game," said Taylor. "Mark put me under pressure at times when he hit the right shots at the right time, but he missed a few crucial shots and let me in - especially at the end of te second set.
"If you can win a set it can change everything straight away, if Mark had won that second set then it could have all been different - all of a sudden he's back in the game and I'd have a real match on my hands.
"I'm feeling great, I've had lots of practice, I've had lots of rest and I've done everything right. My preparation has been spot-on, you have to prepare right if you want to win this thing and I've done everything I can.
"It should be a cracking match against Kim, he's a great player, but I'm ready for him."
Match Information
First Set 3-1 - Webster takes the first leg on double 16, but Taylor responds with the same, then a break of throw and then double 16 again to take the set.
Second Set 3-2 - A 62 finish puts Taylor ahead before he hits his first 180 in the next, but Webster takes it with double five. A 117 finsh gives Webster a break but Taylor takes the next two with a 180 and 96 checkout and a 60 finish for the set.
Third Set 3-1 - A 180 and a 61 finish put Taylor ahead, before a brilliant 125 with a showpiece bullseye, outer bull, bullseye finish levels for Webster. Taylor takes the next two though for 3-0.
Fourth Set 3-0 - Clean sweep for Taylor as he takes all three legs, sealing the match with a double top.
Match Stats
| Phil Taylor | 4-0 | Mark Webster |
| 24 | 100+ | 22 |
| 11 | 140+ | 13 |
| 3 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 3 |
| 101.92 | Average | 93.09 |
| 96 | High Finish | 125 |
| 5 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 12/26 - 46% | Checkout % | 4/12 - 33% |
ADRIAN LEWIS 4-2 KEEGAN BROWN
(1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 3-2, 3-2)
TWO-TIME World Champion Adrian Lewis survived a huge test from current World Youth Champion Keegan Brown as he twice went behind before finally coming away with a 4-2 victory in their exciting second round tie.
Lewis bossed the scoring charts throughout the match but a tenacious Brown showed he truly belongs on the big stage as time after time he stepped in with crucial doubles, forcing the UK Open champion to produce some of his best darts to progress.
Lewis averaged just over 100 with eight 180s and 24 140-plus scores, but it could have been higher had he taken more than 14 of his 40 shots at a double, with Brown's 14 doubles from 33 attempts complementing a 93 average.
After defeat John Part in the opening match of the tournament, Brown sensed another upset as he took out 124 on the bull to win the first set, and from there it was a battle all the way as every remaining set went the full five legs.
Brown started confidently with a 60 outshot in the first leg and a 180 and 58 finish for a break in the second. Lewis responded with an 82 out in the next but Brown took out 124 on the bull to claim the set.
Lewis had to fight to level the match after Brown hit a 12-darter in the second leg, but having missed bull for the set Lewis produced an 11-darter capped with an 84 checkout.
Brown opened with a 180 again in the third set, before his 73 was answered by a 76 from Lewis, but with his opponent left on tops the youngster showed guts to finish off with double five on his last dart for the set.
Lewis hit three 180s in the fourth but missed doubles cost him two legs as Brown's finishing kept him in touch, but the number three seed powered in an 11-darter to level and then hit double top twice in checking out a stunning 134 for the set.
Even better was to come as Lewis hit a ten-darter, finishing with double eight to start the next set, and took out 66 to thwart a Brown 180. He missed four darts for the set over the next two legs but returned with a 68 to go in front.
Brown led again in set six, but Lewis landed four 180s in the next four legs before securing victory with a superb 122 checkout.
"You never give in, and I think that's the key to a champion," said Lewis, who will face either Raymond van Barneveld or Jamie Caven in the third round.
"Keegan's a young lad coming through and he played fantastic; he showed a lot of bottle. I had to dig in really deep there at the end, I just had to keep going at him and I'm relieved to get through that one.
"I've had a bit of a break and it's good to come through a tough game as I'll need to be sharp to play Raymond or Jamie so that'll sharpen me up now."
Match Information
First Set 1-3 - Confident start by Brown, who takes out 60 and then 58 to break after a 180, before a nerveless 124 on the bull gives him the set.
Second Set 3-2 - A 180 for a 12-darter for Brown is answered by two Lewis legs, but he misses a bull for the set. Brown levels but Lewis hits an 11-darter for the set.
Third Set 2-3 - A 180 and 66 out to start from Brown. A 73 follows and Lewis answers with 76, but in the decider Lewis is left stranded on tops as Brown hits double five with his last dart.
Fourth Set 3-2- Three 180s from Lewis but he still struggles to win the set as five missed doubles in two legs allow Brown to go 2-1 up, but Lewis hits an 11-darter to level and wins the set on a superb 134 going treble 18, double top, double top.
Fifth Set 3-2 - A ten-darter from Lewis is followed by a 66 checkout, but five missed doubles cost him two legs before he recovers to take out 68 and go 3-2 in front.
Sixth Set 3-2 - 71 puts Brown ahead but Lewis hits four 180s in the next four legs. He misses three match darts in the fourth as Brown hits a 180 and nips in to pinch it, but Lewis wins it in style with a 122 checkout.
| Adrian Lewis | 4-2 | Keegan Brown |
| 33 | 100+ | 31 |
| 22 | 140+ | 19 |
| 2 | 170+ | 0 |
| 8 | 180 | 6 |
| 100.41 | Average | 93.09 |
| 134 | High Finish | 124 |
| 6 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 15/40 - 37.5% | Checkout % | 14/33 - 42.42% |