William Hill World Championship Day Ten

A STUNNING nine-dart finish from Adrian Lewis was not enough to help him defeat Raymond van Barneveld in a third round thriller at the William Hill World Darts Championship on Tuesday, as Phil Taylor and Stephen Bunting joined him in the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace.

Lewis landed his second World Championship nine-darter - and his third on television - with a brilliant perfect leg to claim the deciding leg of the opening set against van Barneveld.

Having also landed a nine-darter in the 2011 final as he claimed the title, Lewis matched that achievement with two 180s and a 141 finish of treble 20, treble 19 and double 12.

However, he was left to rue one missed match dart - at double seven for a 4-2 triumph - as van Barneveld firstly saved the game by taking the sixth set before winning the decider 3-1 to remain on course for his sixth World Championship title.

"What a game," said van Barneveld. "The first set was probably the best I've played so far - when Adie got the nine-darter I was just thinking I had to hold on.

"When it went to 3-3 I had to keep believing and I saw Adie was struggling a bit with his trebles so I needed one big push then.

"I just had to hang on, had to keep believing and fighting because you just can't ever give up. I just had to wait for my chance and when it finally came in that last set then I knew I had to take it.

"But it was such a hard match, these matches don't get any easier and I seem to be involved in more and more tough matches."

The nine-darter sees Lewis in line for a £10,000 bonus, while sponsors William Hill will now donate £9,000 each to the PDC's official charity, Haven House Children's Hospice, and Parkinson's UK, who are supported by Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark.

Lewis, though, admitted: "I'm gutted. I hit the nine-darter to win the first set and then came back on and had another nine-darter in the break, and then I started panicking a bit.

"I'd hit two back-to-back and thought I could turn him over 4-0 and it didn't happen. It's my own fault for missing shots - I missed the 88 to win the match and wired double seven, and I'm just disappointed with myself.

"I started panicking around doubles where normally I'm a lot more fluent on them. I'm just annoyed - I thought this was my year."

Phil Taylor's bid to win a 17th World Championship continued as he hit back from 3-2 down to defeat Kim Huybrechts in a seven-set thriller.

Taylor set up a last eight clash with Vincent van der Voort after survivng an extreme test from Huybrechts, who led 3-2 in sets and left waiting on 36 in the sixth set's decider as the Stoke great levelled before showing his class in the final set.

The 16-time World Champion hit four 180s and averaged 102.52 despite using a new set of darts for the first time in competition - following the addition of an extra groove at the rear of his barrel - but was pushed all the way by the Belgian, who averaged 96.93 and took out some pressure checkouts against his illustrious opponent.

"I'm speechless - I had to fight all the way in that one," said Taylor. "I'm sure it was a good game to watch, and although I struggled at times I never thought I was going out.

"The 96 in the last set was a massive shot, that was the one that really did all the damage. I'm through and I can go prepare for Vincent van der Voort because he's a very good player."

Stephen Bunting was the winner in the night's final third round game, which almost proved as dramatic as the preceding two as Michael Smith fought back from three sets down to almost force a decider, before the Lakeside Champion progressed.

Smith took out five ton-plus finishes, including checkouts of 170 and 161, and also landed eight 180s in a thriller, but left himself too much to do as Bunting averaged 102.30.

“I knew I had to get out of the blocks pretty fast and I did that," admitted Bunting. "I got the lead but I knew Michael is a never-say-die player - I watched his game against Brendan Dolan when he was two sets up and let it slip and I had it in the back of my mind just not to do the same.

“Michael is a really good friend and I’m really sad to see him go home but at the same time I’m really happy to be in the quarter-finals."

He added: “I know I’ve got the game to win this title, and if I bring my best darts to the big stage I can beat anyone, I’ve proved it this year so I know I can do it, and to win the PDC World Championship would be the ultimate in darts. It’s always been a dream to be here and to be in the quarter-finals is amazing."

Following a break for New Year's Eve, the tournament resumes on Thursday January 1 with the two quarter-finals from the top half of the draw, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen playing Robert Thornton before former finalists Peter Wright and Gary Anderson clash in an all-Scottish battle.

Taylor's quarter-final with Vincent van der Voort kicks off the action on Friday January 2, before van Barneveld and Bunting face off for a place in the semi-finals.

Taylor remains the favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on January 4, with sponsors William Hill making him 11/8 to win his 17th World Championship title.

Van Gerwen is a 9/4 chance to retain his title, with world number four Anderson the 9/2 third favourite and Bunting now 8/1 to cap his debut at Alexandra Palace with glory.

Van Barneveld is rated at 11/1 to win a sixth World Championship title, with 2014 runner-up Wright 16/1, former UK Open champion Thornton a 33/1 chance and van der Voort the 50/1 outsider.

IN THE AFTERNOON SESSION, Peter Wright and Gary Anderson set up an all-Scottish quarter-final at the William Hill World Darts Championship with wins over Andy Hamilton and Cristo Reyes on Tuesday, as Vincent van der Voort joined them in the last eight by seeing off Dean Winstanley's fightback.

Wright, last year's runner-up at Alexandra Palace, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon as he recorded a 4-0 victory over another former finalist, Andy Hamilton, in their third round clash.

Anderson, the 2011 runner-up to Adrian Lewis, joined him the in the last eight as he overcame a brave challenge from Spanish qualifier Cristo Reyes to go through with a 4-1 win.

Wright averaged just over 102, and maintained an average above 100 throughout the contest as he landed five 180s and checked out half of his 24 attempts at doubles to wrap up victory in only 45 minutes.

Hamilton picked up only four legs in the contest, with two missed doubles to win the second set proving costly as Wright took a 2-0 lead before taking six of the next seven legs for the win.

After a Hamilton 78 finish levelled in leg two, Wright hit a 180s and an 83 finish for an 11-darter before he broke in the fourth on double 16 to win the set.

The second set saw Hamilton hold throw twice as he held a 2-1 lead, with Wright posting a 180 in a 13-darter as he levelled and then took a crucial decider on double 16 - after the 2012 runner-up missed two darts at double 16 to level to game.

Wright kicked on to take the third set without reply, finishing 55, 94 for a break of throw - using a single 18, double 18, double top combination - and a 13-darter on tops.

Hamilton won the fourth set's opening leg, but Wright levelled with a fine 104 finish, took out 64 to break and then sealed victory on double top.

"In the first two sets he give me chances and I took them," said Wright. "He could have been 2-0 up but I took my chances, and I knew I had to keep him down because Andy Hamilton's a fighter and he can always come back at you.

"He was a bit down on his usual form but you just have to keep on pushing and make sure you get the win. Now I'm through and starting to play a bit better - I'm mirroring last year with my performances getting better round by round."

Gary Anderson averaged 104.54 in his 4-1 win over Cristo Reyes in the third round, and he needed to be at his best to see off the determined Spanish challenger.

Reyes had enjoyed wins over Christian Perez, Wes Newton and Kevin Painter to become the first Spanish player to reach the tournament's third round - and showed his quality by winning the first set 3-0 with a 115 average with legs of 15, 13 and 11 darts.

Anderson responded in impressive fashionas he hit eight 180s, 17 140-plus scores and continued his run of strong finishing as he took out 12 of his 28 attempts.

The Scot, though, needed two 13-darters as he took the second set 3-1 - as Reyes landed a 13-dart finish of his own - before he came from a leg down to win the third set by the same scoreline.

Legs of 11 and 12 darts helped Anderson win the fourth set without reply before he came from 2-1 down in the fifth to seal victory and a clash with Wright on New Year's Day.

"I'm really pleased with that because I didn't think that my average was as high as it was," said Anderson, who had come from 3-1 down to defeat Jelle Klaasen in round two.

"I was going all right but Cristo played well and in the first set I thought it was going to be one of those games that goes a long way, but I got the job done and that's the main thing.

"I didn't know a lot about Cristo but I know he played well! There are so many good darts players about nowadays and you don't know too much about some of them, so it does make it easier in a way playing Peter on Thursday because I know what I'm going to get."

Vincent van der Voort had to survive a determined Dean Winstanley comeback before a 4-2 win put him into the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace for the second time in five years.

Van der Voort put himself in control of the game as he punished a slow start from Winstanley to win the first six legs without reply.

The Yorkshireman hit back, but was twice punished for missing his chance to level the game - at two sets apiece and three-all - as van der Voort progressed to meet either Phil Taylor or Kim Huybrechts.

The fast-throwing Dutch star averaged 93.90 and hit three 180s, with Winstanley landing eight 180s and a 122 finish but leaving himself too much to do.

Van der Voort started like a train, kicking off the game with legs of 13 and 14 darts quickly moving 2-0 up with six legs on the spin, including finishes of 97 and 53 as Winstanley failed to get a foothold in the match.

The Yorkshireman got his first leg on the board at the start of the third set, and although van der Voort then went 2-1 up with a break of throw, Winstanley battled back with a 115 finish followed by a 97 checkout to see him claim the set.

Legs of 14 and 12 darts helped van der Voort win set four for a 3-1 lead, but Winstanley hit back again with two 180s and a double 19 finish for a 14-darter giving him the fifth set 3-1.

Winstanley took out 122 on the bull and a 14-darter as he moved 2-1 up in the sixth set, but van der Voort replied in kind in leg four with a 72 finish before punishing a miss at tops from the Englishman by landing double ten to seal the win.

On The Wire - Episode Ten, Tuesday December 30
Dan Dawson with Rod Harrington
Featuring day ten review, match reaction from Phil Taylor, Dancers vs Walk-On Girls taking their clothes off - Darts Does Fonejacker, Again!


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The programme will also be available to purchase online through Programme Master at this link .

WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Tuesday December 30
Third Round
Afternoon Session
Peter Wright 4-0 Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson 4-1 Cristo Reyes
Dean Winstanley 2-4 Vincent van der Voort

Evening Session (7pm)
Adrian Lewis 3-4 Raymond van Barneveld
Phil Taylor 4-3 Kim Huybrechts
Stephen Bunting 4-2v Michael Smith

Third Round Best of Seven Sets, Best of Five Legs Per Set

MATCH INFORMATION
PETER WRIGHT 4-0 ANDY HAMILTON
(3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-1)

LAST year's beaten finalist Peter Wright produced a superbly consistent performance in a convincing 4-0 victory over Andy Hamilton to make the quarter-finals of the William Hill World Darts Championship, where he will face Gary Anderson.

Wright averaged just over 102, and maintained an average above 100 throughout the contest as he landed five 180s and checked out half of his 24 attempts at doubles to wrap up victory in only 45 minutes.

Hamilton picked up only four legs in the contest, with two missed doubles to win the second set proving costly as Wright took a 2-0 lead before taking six of the next seven legs for the win.

After a Hamilton 78 finish levelled in leg two, Wright hit a 180s and an 83 finish for an 11-darter before he broke in the fourth on double 16 to win the set.

The second set saw Hamilton hold throw twice as he held a 2-1 lead, with Wright posting a 180 in a 13-darter as he levelled and then took a crucial decider on double 16 - after the 2012 runner-up missed two darts at double 16 to level to game.

Wright kicked on to take the third set without reply, finishing 55, 94 for a break of throw - using a single 18, double 18, double top combination - and a 13-darter on tops.

Hamilton won the fourth set's opening leg, but Wright levelled with a fine 104 finish, took out 64 to break and then sealed victory on double top.

"In the first two sets he give me chances and I took them," said Wright. "He could have been 2-0 up but I took my chances, and I knew I had to keep him down because Andy Hamilton's a fighter and he can always come back at you.

"He was a bit down on his usual form but you just have to keep on pushing and make sure you get the win. Now I'm through and starting to play a bit better - I'm mirroring last year with my performances getting better round by round."

Match Information
First Set 3-1  - Wright hits the first 180 of the match but Hamilton takes out 78 for 1-1. Another 180 for Wright and an 83 for an 11-darter. Then a double 16 for the set and 110 average for Wright.
Second Set 3-2 - Double eight for a Hamilton lead but 71 replies for Wright. Both hit 180s but Hamilton misses two for the set and Wright takes it, then wins the set with a 48.  
Third Set 3-0 - Clean sweep for Wright, with a 55 checkout, a 94 on double 18 and double 20 for a break and a 13-darter to clinch it.
Fourth set 3-1 - A 57 finish gets a leg for Hamilton but a superb 104 replies for Wright and a 64 after a 180 puts him ahead before he clinches the set.

Match Stats

GARY ANDERSON 4-1 CRISTO REYES
(0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 3-2)

GARY ANDERSON averaged 104.5 in his 4-1 win over Cristo Reyes in the third round of the William Hill World Darts Championship, but he needed to be at his best to see off a determined Spanish challenger who produced a brave performance.

Reyes had enjoyed wins over Christian Perez, Wes Newton and Kevin Painter to become the first Spanish player to reach the tournament's third round - and showed his quality by winning the first set 3-0 with a 115 average with legs of 15, 13 and 11 darts.

Anderson responded in impressive fashionas he hit eight 180s, 17 140-plus scores and continued his run of strong finishing as he took out 12 of his 28 attempts.

The Scot, though, needed two 13-darters as he took the second set 3-1 - as Reyes landed a 13-dart finish of his own - before he came from a leg down to win the third set by the same scoreline.

Legs of 11 and 12 darts helped Anderson win the fourth set without reply before he came from 2-1 down in the fifth to seal victory and a clash with Wright on New Year's Day.

"I'm really pleased with that because I didn't think that my average was as high as it was," said Anderson, who had come from 3-1 down to defeat Jelle Klaasen in round two.

"I was going all right but Cristo played well and in the first set I thought it was going to be one of those games that goes a long way, but I got the job done and that's the main thing.

"I didn't know a lot about Cristo but I know he played well! There are so many good darts players about nowadays and you don't know too much about some of them, so it does make it easier in a way playing Peter on Thursday because I know what I'm going to get."

Match Information 
First Set - 0-3 - Superb set from Reyes who takes out 81 to start, then double 12 for a break for a 13-darter - after Anderson misses three doubles - and a 180 in an 11-darter to take the set with a brilliant 115 set average.
Second Set 3-1 - Anderson squares it up with a 180 in the first leg. Reyes hangs in there to level but 64 puts the Scotsman ahead and he takes the set in the next on tops.  
Third Set 3-1 - Reyes hits a 180 and tops for the opener, but Anderson finds his stride with two 180s helping him to three straight legs.
Fourth Set 3-0 - Anderson is really hitting top gear now, with two 180s and an 80 finish in the first. A 180 and 124 break for a 12-darter in the second and double ten finishes it off.
Fifth Set - A 180 from Reyes but Anderson breaks. Anderson hits a 180 in the next but Reyes breaks back. Reyes takes out 64 but then misses two for the set and Anderson levels. Reyes again misses double 16 for the set and Anderson steps in to win the match.

Match Stats

DEAN WINSTANLEY 2-4 VINCENT VAN DER VOORT
(0-3, 0-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 2-3)

Vincent van der Voort had to survive a determined Dean Winstanley comeback before a 4-2 win put him into the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace for the second time in five years.

Van der Voort put himself in control of the game as he punished a slow start from Winstanley to win the first six legs without reply.

The Yorkshireman hit back, but was twice punished for missing his chance to level the game - at two sets apiece and three-all - as van der Voort progressed to meet either Phil Taylor or Kim Huybrechts.

The fast-throwing Dutch star averaged 93.90 and hit three 180s, with Winstanley landing eight 180s and a 122 finish but leaving himself too much to do.

Van der Voort started like a train, kicking off the game with legs of 13 and 14 darts quickly moving 2-0 up with six legs on the spin, including finishes of 97 and 53 as Winstanley failed to get a foothold in the match.

The Yorkshireman got his first leg on the board at the start of the third set, and although van der Voort then went 2-1 up with a break of throw, Winstanley battled back with a 115 finish followed by a 97 checkout to see him claim the set.

Legs of 14 and 12 darts helped van der Voort win set four for a 3-1 lead, but Winstanley hit back again with two 180s and a double 19 finish for a 14-darter giving him the fifth set 3-1.

Winstanley took out 122 on the bull and a 14-darter as he moved 2-1 up in the sixth set, but van der Voort replied in kind in leg four with a 72 finish before punishing a miss at tops from the Englishman by landing double ten to seal the win.

"I started really well and after that it was a bit of a struggle but in the end I got over the line and thats what counts," said van der Voort 

Match Information
First Set 0-3 - Van der Voort opens with legs of 14 and 13 darts before punishing a raft of misses from Winstanley in leg three to take the first set without reply.
Second Set 0-3 - Winstanley's poor start continues as van der Voort takes the second without reply, finishing with a 14-darter to move two sets up.
Third Set 3-2 - Winstanley wins his first leg of the game in the third set's opener, and though van der Voort takes the next two for a 2-1 lead, the Yorkshire ace finishes 115 to level and 97 for the set.
Fourth Set 2-3 - Winstanley takes the opening leg before van der Voort finishes legs of 14 and 12 darts to move ahead, with the Englishman taking the set into a decider but being left on 60 as the Dutch star takes out double eight for a 3-1 lead.
Fifth Set 3-1 - After the opening two legs are shared, Winstanley finishes legs of 15 and 14 legs to win his second set of the contest.
Sixth Set 2-3 - van der Voort's opening leg is cancelled out by a 122 finish from Winstanley, who adds a 14-darter to lead 2-1 only to see the Dutchman finish 72 for a 14-darter of his own and double ten to claim victory - after Winstanley missed tops to take the game into a deciding seventh set.

Match Stats

EVENING SESSION
ADRIAN LEWIS 3-4 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
(3-2, 2-3, 3-1, 2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 1-3)

ADRIAN LEWIS hit the first nine-darter of this year's William Hill World Darts Championship but it was not enough to stop him falling to a thrilling 4-3 defeat against Raymond van Barneveld in an epic third round encounter.

Lewis landed his second World Championship nine-darter - and his third on television - with a brilliant perfect leg to claim the deciding leg of the opening set against van Barneveld.

Having also landed a nine-darter in the 2011 final as he claimed the title, Lewis matched that achievement with two 180s and a 141 finish of treble 20, treble 19 and double 12.

However, he was left to rue one missed match dart - at double seven for a 4-2 triumph - as van Barneveld firstly saved the game by taking the sixth set before winning the decider 3-1 to remain on course for his sixth World Championship title.

"What a game," said van Barneveld. "The first set was probably the best I've played so far - when Adie got the nine-darter I was just thinking I had to hold on.

"When it went to 3-3 I had to keep believing and I saw Adie was struggling a bit with his trebles so I needed one big push then.

"I just had to hang on, had to keep believing and fighting because you just can't ever give up. I just had to wait for my chance and when it finally came in that last set then I knew I had to take it.

"But it was such a hard match, these matches don't get any easier and I seem to be involved in more and more tough matches."

The nine-darter sees Lewis in line for a £10,000 bonus, while sponsors William Hill will now donate £9,000 each to the PDC's official charity, Haven House Children's Hospice, and Parkinson's UK, who are supported by Sky Sports presenter Dave Clark.

Lewis, though, admitted: "I'm gutted. I hit the nine-darter to win the first set and then came back on and had another nine-darter in the break, and then I started panicking a bit.

"I'd hit two back-to-back and thought I could turn him over 4-0 and it didn't happen. It's my own fault for missing shots - I missed the 88 to win the match and wired double seven, and I'm just disappointed with myself.

"I started panicking around doubles where normally I'm a lot more fluent on them. I'm just annoyed - I thought this was my year."

Match Information
First Set 3-2 - ADRIAN LEWIS HITS NINE-DART FINISH! A brilliant opening set concludes with a nine-darter from Lewis to take the deciding leg. After sharing the opening two legs, a 14-darter moves Lewis ahead before van Barneveld levels with a 72 finish - but the Stoke ace has the final say with his perfect leg, landing two 180s and finishing 141 with treble 20, treble 19 and double 12.
Second Set 2-3 - Lewis lands a 180 in the opening leg, but fails to finish 43 as van Barneveld takes out 104 to take the lead. Lewis lands another maximum in a 12-darter and the pair trade the next two before the deciding leg goes to van Barneveld in 13 darts.
Third Set 3-1 - The opening two legs go against the throw before Lewis holds on tops, before taking the set with a superb 12-darter.
Fourth Set 2-3 - A 180 helps van Barneveld to the first leg before Lewis lands a maximum of his own to level, and the Dutchman's 14-darter to move himself 2-1 up is bettered by the number three seed taking out 157 for a 12-darter to level - only to then miss three darts to claim the set in the decider as van Barneveld finishes double four to level the contest again.
Fifth Set 3-0 - Lewis takes the opening leg in 14 darts and breaks in leg two before punishing misses from van Barneveld in the third to take the set without reply.
Sixth Set 2-3 - The set goes with the throw in all five legs as van Barneveld follows an earlier 76 checkout by finishing a 13-darter in the decider.
Seventh Set 1-3 - Lewis fires in a maximum to take the opening leg, but van Barneveld finishes 68 to level and 78 for a 14-darter to break before firing in a 180 and double ten to claim a remarkable victory.

Match Stats

PHIL TAYLOR 4-3 KIM HUYBRECHTS
(1-3, 3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 3-0)

Phil Taylor's bid to win a 17th World Championship continued as he hit back from 3-2 down to defeat Kim Huybrechts in a seven-set thriller at the William Hill World Darts Championship on Tuesday.

Taylor set up a last eight clash with Vincent van der Voort after survivng an extreme test from Huybrechts, who led 3-2 in sets and left waiting on 36 in the sixth set's decider as the Stoke great levelled before showing his class in the final set.

The 16-time World Champion hit four 180s and averaged 102.52 despite using a new set of darts for the first time in competition - following the addition of an extra groove at the rear of his barrel - but was pushed all the way by the Belgian, who averaged 96.93 and took out some pressure checkouts against his illustrious opponent.

The opening set saw Huybrechts open with a 14-darter which was bettered by Taylor's 13-dart leg, but the Belgian moved 2-1 up with a 13-darter of his own - which featured a 174 score - and then broke with a 78 finish in leg four for another 14-dart leg and the lead.

Checkouts of 73 and 66 kept him in the second set, but Taylor took the decider to level matters with a 14-dart finish on tops, only for the number 18 seed to come from 2-1 down in the third with a brace of 14-dart legs as he moved 2-1 up in sets.

Taylor opened set four with a brilliant ten-dart leg and added legs of 14 and 15 darts to square the contest once more, only to see Huybrechts take set five in the same manner, opening with a 12-darter which featured a 126 checkout, breaking throw with a 104 finish and taking out double 16 to move 3-2 ahead.

Taylor's 14-darter to kick off set six was followed by a 180 and double four from Huybrechts to level, with the number two seed then firing in an 11-dart leg to move 2-1 up. Huybrechts levelled to move a leg away from the win and left 36 in the deciding leg, but Taylor took out tops as he edged the set and forced a decider.

In typical style, Taylor opened a 12-dart leg with a 171 score and a 96 finish as he broke to lead in the decider, added a 177 in the second and then took the third with a superb 13-darter as he secured a hard-fought victory. 

"I'm speechless - I had to fight all the way in that one," said Taylor. "I'm sure it was a good game to watch, and although I struggled at times I never thought I was going out.

"The 96 in the last set was a massive shot, that was the one that really did all the damage. I'm through and I can go prepare for Vincent van der Voort because he's a very good player."

Huybrechts added: "I felt like I was the better player, I played really well. I played my hardest and gave Phil a good game but it just wasn't enough.

"I'll keep trying hard, and  I'm proud and happy that I played really well. Phil's been up there many times before and it's new to me but I gave it a really good go and I pushed him all the way to the end.

"I never got a shot to win it but I kept going all the way and I'll keep going and working hard to get better."

Match Information
First Set 1-3 - Superb start from Huybrechts, who takes the first set 3-1. After landing double eight for a 14-darter to start, Huybrechts then trades 13-darters with Taylor on tops before finishing 78 for a 14-darter to claim the set.
Second Set 3-2 - Taylor opens with a 14-darter, with finishes of 73 and 66 from Huybrechts coming either side of a Taylor 13-darter before the Stoke ace takes the decider with a 14-dart finish.
Third Set 2-3 - Huybrechts opens with an awkward double 19, but Taylor levels then takes out 82 for a break. Taylor hits a 180 in leg four, but Huybrechts wins the leg with the aid of three 140s to force a decider, which he takes with the aid of a 180 an double 16.
Fourth Set 3-0 - A superb ten-darter for Taylor is followed by a 12-darter to break before double six sees him claim a clean sweep to level the contest.
Fifth Set 0-3 - Huybrechts responds with a 3-0 set  of his own, opening with a superb 12-darter on a 126 finish, followed by a 104 break before he seals the set on double 16.
Sixth Set 3-2 - Taylor finishes 80 to take the first leg and then takes out 88 for an 11-darter to move 2-1 up, with Huybrechts levelling on double ten and leaving 36 for the match in the decider, only to see Taylor finish tops to send the game into a decisive seventh set.
Seventh Set 3-0 - Taylor kicks off with a 96 finish to break on a 12-darter and takes out 80 to move to the brink of victory before double 18 for a 13-darter seals the win in style.

Match Stats

STEPHEN BUNTING 4-2 MICHAEL SMITH
(3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 1-3, 1-3, 3-1)

STEPHEN BUNTING survived a wobble against Michael Smith to win 4-2 and secure a quarter-final tie against Raymond van Barneveld at the William Hill World Darts Championship.

Bunting raced into a 3-0 lead against fellow St Helens thrower Smith, but the former World Youth Champion - who came from 2-0 down to defeat Brendan Dolan in the second round - again hit back.

Current Lakeside Champion Bunting, though, held his nerve and when it mattered he pulled out his best darts again despite a late onslaught of 180s from Smith to win the fifth set and move on into the last eight in his bid to win the title at Alexandra Palace.

Both men averaged over 102 and hit eight 180s apiece in a high-quality ending to a brilliant night of darts, but Bunting's greater consistency and better start saw him able to hang on despite five ton-plus finishes from Smith.

Smith overcame a slow start against Dolan, and allowed Bunting to take the initiative in this clash despite landing a 170 finish for his only leg of the first set, as legs of 14 and 13 darts helped the Alexandra Palace debutant claim first blood.

Smith also took out 132 as he levelled at two-all in the second set, but Bunting took the deciding leg with the throw with a 14-darter before coming from a leg down in set three to land finishes of 12, 13 and 14 darts.

A 14-darter to break at the start of the fourth set was exactly what Smith needed, and after the next two legs were traded it was the youngster who fired in an 11-darter to claim his first set.

Smith's 12-darter to open set five was bettered by an 11-dart finish from Bunting as he levelled - but Smith took out 106 and 121 in successive legs to claim the set and reduce the gap to just 3-2.

The pair traded 180s as Bunting kicked off the sixth set with a 12-darter only to see Smith level in 12 darts by landing a maximum and a 161 checkout.

Bunting set up double 18 with a 171 score in the third leg, and landed his final maximum in the next as double 16 sealed his place in the last eight, where he meets Raymond van Barneveld.

“I knew I had to get out of the blocks pretty fast and I did that," admitted Bunting. "I got the lead but I knew Michael is a never-say-die player - I watched his game against Brendan Dolan when he was two sets up and let it slip and I had it in the back of my mind just not to do the same.

“Michael is a really good friend and I’m really sad to see him go home but at the same time I’m really happy to be in the quarter-finals."

He added: “I know I’ve got the game to win this title, and if I bring my best darts to the big stage I can beat anyone, I’ve proved it this year so I know I can do it, and to win the PDC World Championship would be the ultimate in darts. It’s always been a dream to be here and to be in the quarter-finals is amazing."

Match Information
First Set 3-1 - The set features a 170 checkout from Smith in the second leg but it's all Bunting otherwise, hitting two 180s as he leads.
Second Set 3-2 - Bunting finishes 65 for the opening leg but missed doubles allow Smith to level despite a 180 from the Lakeside Champion. A 180 from Bunting in the next is backed up by double 16 finish, and though Smith hits back with a 132 finish, Bunting wins the decider in 14 darts.
Third Set 3-1 - A 180 helps Smith move ahead, and he repeats the feat in the second leg only to see Bunting finish 90 for a 12-darter to level, double 12 for a 13-darter to move 2-1 up and a 180 in a 14-darter to take the set.
Fourth Set 1-3 - Smith breaks in the opener in 14 darts and then doubles his lead before Bunting hits back with a 14-dart leg, but the youngster hits a 180 and an 81 checkout for an 11-darter to seal the set.
Fifth Set 1-3 - Smith's 12-darter to open the set, featuring a 180 and a 91, is bettered by an 11-dart leg from Bunting, but two superb finishes of 106 and 121 see Smith's fightback continue.
Sixth Set 3-1 - The pair trade 180s as Bunting finishes 81 for a 12-darter, with Smith levelling in the same manner with a brilliant 161 finish. Bunting, though, sets up double 18 with a 171 score as he moves 2-1 up before landing his eighth 180 and double 16 to claim victory.

Match Stats