World Matchplay
Smith landed an impressive seven 180s and averaged over 100 but it
was nowhere near enough as Taylor averaged in excess of 105, landed
five maximums of his own and landed three 126 checkouts in a flawless
display of darts.
“It was a phenomenal game,” said Taylor. “It’s a memorable night for
me and for everybody who supports me and I’m pleased as punch.
“I thought that there might be a nine-darter against Michael because
he’s a really good, up-and-coming player and one to watch for the
future - he doesn’t give in.
“The three 126 finishes were the killer and the nine-darter was the
icing on the cake. Towards the end of the game I relaxed a little bit and
that’s not like me, and I won’t do that again.
“I think I can improve further, especially on my stamina, but I’m
improving and I’ll get myself ready now for the quarter-finals on
Friday.”
James Wade enjoyed the biggest winning margin of the second round
as he overcame Richie Burnett 13-2.
Wade has been showing signs of returning to top form of late and this
performance highlighted that as The Machine dominated from the
outset to book his place in the quarter finals.
“I’m really happy with that,” said Wade. “I was always confident that
I was going to win the game, but I didn’t expect to have that margin
of victory.
“Maybe I was lucky because he didn’t play well, but I like to think I
didn’t allow him to play well so I’m happy.
“I’ve not been tested yet but I’d quite ha [ H