victory, the match ending up 16-10 in favour of the World Number 1. “It was a very difficult game and Justin was superb, and he really pushed me,” said Taylor. “His concentration levels are fantastic, he’s a lovely man and I enjoyed the game. “He let me in on a couple of shots and I took advantage, and it’s really set me up for the semifinals now. I was hanging in there at five-all, and towards the end I seemed to hit form and kept
dug incredibly deep to find a 135 checkout to level the match once more at 14-14. The duo traded legs until 16-16, but with the match needing to be won by two clear legs it was Wade who found the better form, eventually securing the match with a superb pressure dart at double ten to secure the 18-16 victory. “I’m very happy to have won such a great game,” said Wade. “It was a very hard game and physically and mentally exhausting and it was relentless at times.”
putting the pressure on him.” Pipe admitted: “Phil was amazing, he’s relentless and he showed his brilliance. He punished me every time I had a dodgy throw and against most other players I might have won with that performance. “It was a learning experience for me and I know what areas I need to improve, and I’ll go away and do that now, but I’m over the moon with how I played. I’m very disappointed to lose, but I kept fighting and I’m really proud.” Simon Whitlock and James Wade needed extra legs to settle their encounter, but in the end it was Wade who progressed after securing an 18-16 victory. The pair traded legs throughout and neither man managed to open up more than a two leg gap. With the match poised at 10-10 there was only 0.04 between the duo on the averages. Whitlock then managed to open up a two leg gap in his favour as he moved on to lead 14-12, but Wade
“Simon hit so many great shots but he missed three chances towards the end and that was vital for me. The 135 was huge and I don’t know how it went in, because my first dart couldn’t have been worse in terms of blocking the bull, so it was great to see it sail in!” Wade added: “I’m happy that I get to play Phil on Saturday and I’m looking forward to playing a great game of darts with him. I think I’ve got a little bit extra in this tournament - I love the format, the venue and the fans in Blackpool and it shows in my game.” Whitlock said: “I’m a tiny bit disappointed but very proud of myself.” “James is a great player and he showed his class with his finishing - I had to out-score him and I think I did, but his finishing destroyed me and the 135 was huge. It turned the match.” “I got better as the tournament went on and I can’t play much better than that. Maybe I missed a few doubles here and there, but I really enjoyed that match and played close to my best.” “He was brilliant, and I hope he wins the tournament now.”