Two of Brendan Dolan (250/1), John Henderson (125/1), Mark Hylton (125/1) and Richie Burnett (150/1) will definitely be in the semis and outside of that quartet did anybody else honestly predict that?

Only three seeds survive and two of those (Phil Taylor and Mark Webster) play each other. James Wade is the other and he tackles Andy Smith (100/1).

The unpredictability this week is highlighted by our Beat the Tipster competition where everybody is struggling to call it right. The average points per match is currently 1.5. Usually the average is close to or above 2. To put it into perspective the 2011 World Matchplay averaged 1.9 and three previous World Grands Prix have averaged 2.0, 2.3 & 2.5. Proof that this week has not gone as the majority expected. Only two players are averaging over 2 points per game so Craig Jackson & Petri Rasmus are rightly leading the way in the race for our fantastic Bulls prizes.

There are some odds and head to heads below for you to see if you can have a better go at working it all out than us. Good luck!

World number one Taylor continued his bid for a tenth victory in the double-start format with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Nicholson, who failed to live up to the pre-match hype as he took on the Stoke great.

Taylor dropped just three legs in the game, and hit key finishes of 105, 120 and 147 in setting up a quarter-final with Mark Webster on Friday night.

“I’m really pleased with the win and it’s another indication that my game’s in good shape at the moment,” said Taylor. “Paul didn’t play as well as he can. He’s making a name for himself at the moment and he’s a very good player, but he’s not as consistent enough yet.”

Webster, who defeated Taylor in the quarter-finals of the World Championship in January, set up a repeat of that clash with a strong 3-1 defeat of Alan Tabern.

The Welshman shared the opening two sets but won six out of the final seven legs to move into the last eight on his debut at the Citywest Hotel.

“I’m glad to be in the quarter-finals but I won’t be sitting on my laurels and I’ll be confident,” said Webster. “I’ll go into it believing I can win the game.

“Obviously Phil’s the world number one and he’ll be the favourite but I beat him over a sets format in the World Championship. I’ve had hidings from him too but that doesn’t put me off and I’m not scared of him.”

Mark Hylton produced the biggest win of his career as he defeated number five seed Simon Whitlock 3-1 to reach only his second major televised quarter-final, coming from a set behind to take victory.

“It’s a dream come true to be in the quarter-finals,” said Hylton. “I’ve watched this event before and always fancied myself in it because I’ve played double-start in local leagues for a lot of years. On the stage it’s not quite as easy though!

“I’m getting towards my aim of the top 32 and I continue to surprise myself because I’ve only been playing professionally for 18 months and I’m getting better and better.

“I’ve still got a lot to improve on, but to beat Simon Whitlock 3-1 speaks volumes for me.”

He will face resurgent Richie Burnett on Friday night, after the Welshman won through to his first televised quarter-final since the 2004 Las Vegas Desert Classic with a 3-1 win over Denis Ovens.

Burnett only qualified for the World Grand Prix by winning a Players Championship in Holland a fortnight ago, but followed up Tuesday’s defeat of world number four Gary Anderson with another vintage display.

“I’m still taking it all in,” admitted Burnett. “It’s fantastic to be back.

After six or seven years away from playing on the stage, it’s taken me a while to get used to it again. It was my domain – it was where I played better – and it’s coming back.”

Friday’s quarter-finals will kick off with Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan taking on Scottish newcomer John Henderson, before reigning champion James Wade plays Andy Smith.

Taylor then takes on Webster, before Burnett and Hylton clash in the night’s final game.

PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix
Second Round
Thursday
Mark Webster 3-1 Alan Tabern
Simon Whitlock 1-3 Mark Hylton
Phil Taylor 3-0 Paul Nicholson
Richie Burnett 3-1 Denis Ovens

Quarter-Finals
Friday (7pm)
Brendan Dolan v John Henderson
Andy Smith v James Wade
Phil Taylor v Mark Webster
Mark Hylton v Richie Burnett
Best of seven sets

MARK WEBSTER 3-1 ALAN TABERN
(3-0, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0)
MARK WEBSTER won through to the quarter-finals in his first PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 3-1 defeat of Alan Tabern at the New Citywest Convention Centre on Thursday.

The Welshman won the battle of the left-handers with a strong display, winning six of the game’s final seven legs after sharing the opening two sets with Tabern, who made a miracle comeback against Dave Chisnall in the first round.

Webster made an explosive start, with a pair of double ten finishes giving him the opening two legs before he also won the third to take the first set without reply.

He could also have led in the second, but missed double ten for a 140 finish as Tabern landed double top to win his first leg and double ten to take the second, despite a maximum from Webster.

Webster hit a second 180 in the third leg, and finished 142 brilliantly on tops to pull back to 2-1, only to then miss the same double in the next as Tabern capitalised to secure the set on double ten.

A pair of double top finishes gave Webster the lead in the third, and although Tabern took the third in reply and hit a 180 in leg four, Webster hit double ten to secure the set 3-1.

A 65 finish saw Webster lead in the fourth set, and he broke throw in the second leg to move one away from the victory.

The Welshman missed five match darts in the next, but Tabern was unable to convert two chances to stay in the game, as Webster returned to hit double four for the win.

“I thought I was very steady but I was very wary of Alan,” said Webster. “He’d been given a second life because Dave Chisnall missed 13 darts against him in the first round, so he was pretty relaxed.

“The start gave me confidence and although he got back level I always felt I was a score ahead of him. He’s a good finisher so I was glad to close it out.

“I’m glad to be in the quarter-finals but I won’t be sitting on my laurels and I’ll be confident.”

MARK HYLTON 3-1 SIMON WHITLOCK
(1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
MARK HYLTON produced the biggest victory of his career, sending world number five Simon Whitlock crashing out of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a 3-1 triumph at Dublin’s New Citywest Convention Centre.

The left-hander from Rugeley followed up June’s run to the quarter-finals of the Speedy Hire UK Open by winning through to the last eight of his second major in style at the double-start event.

Having defeated Mark Walsh on his World Grand Prix debut on Sunday, Hylton was superb in seeing off the number five seed, who suffered a last 16 loss for the second successive year in Ireland.

Whitlock had made a strong start, hitting a 171 in taking the opening leg, and after trading double ten finishes with the left-hander he hit a 180 nd double four to secure the opening set 3-1.

The Australian also hit a 180 and double ten to break in the second set’s opener, but three misses at double 16 in the next allowed Hylton in to level with a 79 finish on double 11 before leading by winning the third.

Whitlock finished 124 on the bull to square the set, but Hylton took the decider on double five to level the game.

Hylton made a brilliant start to the third set to take the lead for the first time, hitting 180s in the first two legs, which he won with a 68 finish and a 14-darter.

Whitlock landed a 180 in taking the third, but Hylton wrapped up the set 3-1 with a brilliant 13-darter, opening with a 160 and hitting a 180 before landing double 12.

Whitlock produced a superb leg to win the fourth set’s opener, hitting back-to-back 180s and double 16 for an 11-darter.

However, he missed double 15 as Hylton levelled before wasting his chance in the third – missing three darts at doubles to leave six, before hitting a single 15 instead of single two to set up double two on his return to the oche.

Hylton pounced on double top, and hit a 180 in the next in setting up 92 to secure a famous victory.

PHIL TAYLOR 3-0 PAUL NICHOLSON
(3-1, 3-1, 3-1)
PHIL TAYLOR brushed off the challenge of Paul Nicholson to sweep into the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix with a straight sets triumph at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The world number one continued his bid for a tenth victory in the double-start format with a comfortable victory over Nicholson, who failed to live up to the pre-match hype.

Taylor dropped just three legs in the game, and took out a trio of ton-plus finishes to set up a quarter-final with Mark Webster on Friday night.

Taylor had taken the game’s opening leg on double 16, a bed which would be profitable throughout the contest.

Nicholson hit a 180 and double top to level, but Taylor produced two fine finishes to take the next two legs and win the set, following up a 105 checkout by taking out 120.

Nicholson posted another maximum and a 140 in a 12-darter to take the second set’s opener, but Taylor landed double 16 in the next two and then hit double eight to win another set 3-1.

A pair of misses from Nicholson allowed Taylor to follow up a 180 with tops to win the third set’s opening leg, and while Nicholson levelled on double ten his opponent produced a killer blow in the third leg.

Nicholson posted a 171 score to leave 122, but with Taylor needing 147 he hit treble 20, treble 17 and double 18 to move a leg away from the victory, which he sealed with an 89 finish on double 16.

“I’m really pleased with the win and it’s another indication that my game’s in good shape at the moment,” said Taylor.

“Paul didn’t play as well as he can. He’s making a name for himself at the moment and he’s a very good player, but he’s not as consistent enough yet.

“He does everything right and he’s got to keep doing that until he finds a way of getting the consistency every week.”

Taylor meets Webster in the quarter-finals on Friday night, having lost to the left-hander in the World Championship on New Year’s Day.

He added: “Mark’s done his apprenticeship, he’s won a World Championship and beaten me at Alexandra Palace, and the Premier League this year gave him a lot of experience. He’s confident and it will be an exciting game.”

RICHIE BURNETT 3-1 DENIS OVENS
(2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2)
RICHIE BURNETT’S incredible revival continued as he defeated Denis Ovens 3-1 to reach his first major quarter-final since 2004 at the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix.

The Welshman – who had dropped out of the world’s top 150 just over a year ago – was a last-ditch qualifier for the double-start tournament in Dublin when he won a Players Championship event in Holland a fortnight ago.

However, he followed up his defeat of world number four Gary Anderson in the first round but coming from a set down against Ovens on Thursday night to set up a quarter-final with emerging left-hander Mark Hylton as he continues his return to darts’ big-time.

The Welshman started brightly, responding to Ovens winning the opening leg by posting 180s in the next two which he won with a 14-darter and a 94 checkout.

Ovens broke back immediately with an 11-dart finish, and then won the opening set on double top to edge into the lead.

Burnett posted a 180 in taking the opener to set two on double 16, and although Ovens levelled he would win the next two, firstly with double top after his opponent hit a maximum before then punishing 14 missed opening doubles from the Hertfordshire ace with double eight to take the set.

Ovens’ double trouble continued in the third set’s opener as he missed nine to begin the first leg, which Ovens took in 14 darts before finishing double 16 for a 13-darter to lead 2-0.

Ovens replied by winning the third, but Burnett posted another double top finish to secure the set and move 2-1 up in the contest.

Ovens won an edgy opener to set four on double ten to break, but when he missed two darts to win the second Burnett levelled on double five before finishing a fine 13-darter to move a leg away from victory.

Ovens hit a 180 in taking the fourth to keep the game alive, and the pair raised the standard in the set’s deciding leg.

Burnett opened with a 120, which was matched by Ovens before the pair traded 140s. The Welshman powered in a fifth 180 of the game to leave 20 after 12 darts, and although Ovens hit a 145 to leave 36 they proved to be his final darts as Burnett hit double ten to move into the last eight.

“I’m still taking it all in,” admitted Burnett afterwards. “It’s fantastic to be back.

“It’s tough playing in the floor tournaments but that’s built my confidence up and, after six or seven years away from playing on the stage, it’s taken me a while to get used to it again.

“I find it really hard to get a rhythm in this format but I just played the board and got the win. Denis is a lovely guy and I’ve got great respect for him. Like Gary he’s a great sportsman and I enjoyed playing him.

“It was tough and I felt nervous because the pressure was on me after what happened in the first round.

“I’ve got the attitude that you’ve got to go for it, and when the darts go in it felt great. Denis started coming back at me in the fourth set but when I left the double ten for the match I knew I wouldn’t miss it.”

Source – PDC/Lawrence Lustig

Mark Webster contained his debut nerves and overcame Andy Hamilton to set up a Last 16 meeting with Alan Tabern. The Saint hasn’t had a great 2011 so Webby (1/3) will be confident of reaching the quarter finals and a 4-1 head to head record in the Welshman’s favour would seem to back this up. You can get 11/4 on Tabern if you fancy the upset though.

Mark Hylton has had a fine year and has progressed well since going full time. He takes on Simon Whitlock on Thursday in what will be the first meeting between the two. Odds of 3/1 for Hylton are mightily tempting with Whitlock the rightful favourite but a measly 2/7.

The third debut victor is John Henderson and the big man tackles in form Wes Newton for a quarter final berth. Newton goes off 2/7 favourite and Hendo will need to control his rocking chair action to deliver for his backers at 3/1. The head to head between the two shows that Henderson has yet beat Newton in the two games they’ve faced each other.

Vincent van der Voort was over the moon at finally getting his first Dublin win when he beat Kevin Painter on Monday. If he is going to notch up his second win he will have to do it the hard way as James Wade stand in his path. Wade is 1/3 favourite and has a commanding 10-2 head to head record. That means van der Voort has beaten Wade twice and if you think he can do it again he is good value at 11/4.

Elsewhere, the grudge continues but is being watered down with every meeting. Phil Taylor now holds a 6-2 record against Paul Nicholson and The Asset is a 7/2 underdog to make it 6-3. Taylor is the shortest price of the last 16 at 1/4.

Raymond van Barneveld likes this stage and looks a good bet for the quarter finals if the bookies are right. Barney is a 2/7 shot with his opponent, Andy Smith, 10/3 underdog. The head to head is 3-1 in Barney’s favour.

Richie Burnett is rolling back the years and has split the top half of the draw wide open with his defeat of Gary Anderson. He takes on Denis Ovens in the Last 16 and the bookies have them both at evens. The head to head has Ovens nudging it at 3-2 so this one looks too close to call.

The last match to look at is John Part (1/3) versus Brendan Dolan (11/4). Part has been threatening a good run in a major all year; could this be the one? Dolan has never got past this stage but the head to head stands at one apiece so this could be closer than the odds suggest.

Round Two Matches

Round One Stats

Highest Average – 102.26 (Phil Taylor)
Lowest Average – 75.02 (James Wade)
Most 180s – 8 (Dave Chisnall)
Least 180s – 0 (Alan Tabern, Colin Lloyd, Mervyn King, William O’Connor, Steve Brown)
Highest Checkout – 170 (Jamie Caven) | 164 (Phi Taylor) | 158 (Simon Whitlock)
Highest Checkout % – 71% (Phil Taylor) | 67% (Vincent van der Voort)

Mark ‘Mile High’ Hylton allowed a rock steady Mark Walsh to take the first set to nil. He fared better in the next picking up a leg with a 106 out shot, nicked another scrappy leg but Walsh he hit back with a 121 checkout of his own. Mile High took the deciding leg to force the third set. Cue a change of fortune and a great comeback as Hylton put his ungainly looking throw to good use, emerging a 2-1 winner against a bitterly disappointed Walsh.

Dave Chisnall started just as bright as his yellow shirt, getting in on 160’s and hitting maximums as Alan Tabern struggled to find his both his rhythm and the doubles. With accurate doubles and heavy scoring Chisnall swiftly took the first set, however he was equally quick to go off the boil. Missing 13 match darts to open the door for Tabern to fulfil a mighty comeback and take the game 2-1 in a deciding leg.

Despite acheiving a considerably higher 3 dart average, Mark Webster lost the opening set to Andy Hamilton who was deadly on the doubles. Webster redressed the balance in taking the second set which included a 124 bull out shot under pressure from the Hammer. Webster then raced away and took the final set 3-0 for a sweet 2-1 victory.

Gary Anderson wasted no time in taking the first set off Richie Burnett, and at one point threatened to hit a 9 darter, but the 8^th dart fell short of the treble 17. Burnett found his range in the second to take the game to a deciding set. Anderson opened with another missed 9 dart opportunity but his all too familiar double trouble plagued him yet again. That’s not to take anything away from Burnett, who zoned in on the lipstick and hit his doubles for a memorable 2-1 victory, continuing his recent resurgence in form.

The short format, set play and double in afforded Peter Wright a good opportunity to put Phil Taylor out of a TV major. After throwing away the first leg, he redeemed himself with a 115 checkout to draw level, followed up with a 101 to take the lead and then proceeded to take the set 3-1. Taylor though was never going to lie down, and the match went to a deciding set. Wright held his nerve to break Taylor in the first leg, but Taylor broke and held to go within 1 leg of victory, finishing with a glorious 164 outshot to do just that. 2-1 to the Power, but a great effort from Snakebite who continues to improve and impress.

As Dublin approached the witching hour, the beard to be feared  - Simon Whitlock baited the raging Bull, producing a fairly comfortable 2-1 victory in sending Terry Jenkins home. The midnight matchup between Paul Nicholson and Ronnie Baxter was a one sided affair. Baxter was unable to produce any Asset management skills, and it was Nicholson who rocketed away with the first set. Baxter hit back in the second but The Asset held his nerve to take the deciding leg and the 2-0 win.

In Dublin it is double in and double out so a player encountering double trouble can find themselves floundering as their opponent steams away. Whitewashes are not unknown.

It is also not unknown for the early couple of rounds to be littered with big name casualties. Round one is a favourite’s graveyard so it’s a great opportunity to take the bookies on and get some return on your hard earned cash.

We have lots of help for you on the site in our bulging Dartabase - analyse the Head2Head records of all the first round match ups, pour over the players’ stats including their recent form, have a look at recent results, see how a player has performed in major tournaments and in the World Grand Prix. With all this help available you have a good chance of bashing the bookies so what does it throw up for us?

There are six Dublin debutantes this year – Dave Chisnall, John Henderson, Justin Pipe, Mark Hylton, Mark Webster and Peter Wright are all getting their first taste of the City West stage and at least one will be in round two given that Pipe (5/4) & Henderson (5/6) lock horns on Monday. Pipe is the one to back at the greater odds having nearly beaten Phil Taylor Saturday’s Players Championship. He also leads Hendo 3-0 in the head to head.

Wright (7/1) takes on The Power (1/8) and has his work cut out but a look at Taylor’s history in this tournament will give Snakebite hope. Until last year’s semi final exit Taylor either won the trophy (9 times in all) or went out first round to a rank outsider.

My advice is to look beyond that match and Mark Hylton (11/8) to beat Mark Walsh looks a good bet. Walsh has a poor WGP record, in seven appearances he has only four wins and has never got past round two. Mile High leads 4-2 in the head to head so he knows how to beat Walshy.

Mark Webster is 8/13 favourite in his opener but opponent Andy Hamilton looks the better option at 11/8. Webster could be anything but Hamilton’s WGP record is impressive – L32, QF, SF, QF. I’m going for The Hammer to nail Webby, especially when backed up by a superior 4-1 head to head record.

Another value bet from round one is Kevin Painter (6/5) who is a veteran of eleven appearances (best of Quarter Final) and takes on the speedy Vincent van der Voort (9/10) who is yet to win in four attempts. Painter is somewhat of an enigma who lies low until the television cameras are focused on him, then he comes alive. VvdV leads the head to head 8-5 but for me the odds are the wrong way round in this one so get stuck into The Artist.

Taking his shirts back to the 80′s has helped Denis Ovens (9/10) bring his game to a new level and he can halt a terrible WGP record of two wins in ten visits. Only twice has The Heat reached round two, and not since 2003. His opponent, Jamie Caven (11/10), has lost his way recently and Ovens can take advantage and continue a much improved year. He leads Jabba 6-2 in their meetings to date so looks good value.

If you like a punt on the outright winner you are faced, as usual, with the ‘to Taylor or not to Taylor’ conundrum. Do you take the 6/4 on offer for the perennial favourite or try to find some outsider value?

The best approach is normally to select somebody from the opposite half of the draw; this would put James Wade (8/1), Raymond van Barneveld (14/1), Adrian Lewis (8/1) & Wes Newton (20/1) on the shortlist. Wade can never be overlooked in any major and has won this title twice. He is one of only three ex-champions in the field (Colin Lloyd is the third) but has exited in round one in three of his six appearances. World Champion Lewis was runner up last year, has reached two quarter finals, and has always won his first round match, while Newton has yet to get past round two in five tries.

Of this quartet it is Barney who has the most solid previous form. His last four WGP appearances have yielded Semi Final, Runner Up, Runner Up, Semi Final. Pretty impressive stuff and only missing a title. Could this be the big man’s year? An each way outright bet appears good sense.

The players to keep an eye on in Taylor’s half of the draw are man of the year, Gary Anderson (7/1), the beard to be feared, Simon Whitlock (16/1), and Taylor’s latest agitator, Paul Nicholson (40/1).

On the face of it Nicholson is huge odds but he is slated to meet Taylor in round two and Taylor came out on top in the Pro tour event on Saturday. Remember, if Taylor wins his first game he usually goes on to lift the trophy so Nicholson’s time may have to wait. Whitlock might have to get past Taylor and Anderson and I don’t see that happening so I’m going to overlook the Aussie on this occasion.

The man with the credentials, and the form, to topple Taylor is Gary Anderson. Hitting the doubles can be his achilles heel but one would presume this area is the focus of his practice regime and he followed up a round two appearance in 2009 with a quarter final spot last year. This steady improvement can continue this year and The Flying Scotsman looks like the biggest threat to Taylor in the top half of the draw.

The World Grand Prix can be something of a minefield for betting where last year’s champion can bite the dust at the firs hurdle. Some players love it, many hate it. It is probably a tournament to keep your money in your pocket but if you back the right horse the dividends can be high. If you are going to take on the favourites do it in the early stages and always expect the unexpected.

If you are not confident in wagering some real moolah why not have a go of our free-to-enter Beat the Tipster competition? This time around we have a fantastic first prize donated by Bulls Darts. Full details will be released on Monday but trust me it is a great prize. All you have to do is predict the outcome of all the matches in Dublin and if you better our resident Tipster you stand a chance of winning our super-duper prize. The more accurate you are in round one the more chance you have of scoring points in the latter stages.

To win – Phil Taylor (6/4)
Each way – Raymond van Barneveld (14/1) and/or Gary Anderson (7/1)
First round tips – Hamilton (11/8), Hylton (11/8), Painter (6/5), Justin Pipe (5/4), Denis Ovens (9/10)

The draw for the 2011 World Grand Prix

With the short format and double in to start, the WGP ranks alongside the UK Open as the tournament of shocks. Round one is often a favourite’s graveyard but this year there are many matches where it is difficult to pinpoint exactly who the favourite is.

Try picking the winner from Mark Webster v Andy Hamilton, Vincent van der Voort v Kevin Painter, Justin Pipe v John Henderson, Jamie Caven v Denis Ovens, Mark Hylton v Mark Walsh.

Even the one sided games look like real banana skins – Phil Taylor will have his work cut out over the short format against Peter Wright. Adrian Lewis meets the man nobody wants in round one, John Part, Raymond van Barneveld would have liked an easier match up than Mervyn King,  defending champion James Wade won’t relish tackling Steve Brown first up, Simon Whitlock has a stinker of a draw against Terry Jenkins, and Gary Anderson has pulled out Sunday’s Nuland winner, Richie Burnett. There are no easy games in darts these days.

We will have some head to heads and form stats for all the first round matches later in the week and hope to give you some indication of who might go deep and where to put your money.

And don’t forget DartsMad run the original and best Beat The Tipster comp on the web. We have been running for 5 years now would you believe and we have another great comp for the World Grand Prix. Get over there and try to Beat the Tipster..!

Schedule of Play
Monday October 3 (7pm)
First Round
Brendan Dolan v Wayne Jones
Justin Pipe v John Henderson
Vincent van der Voort v Kevin Painter
Wes Newton v Colin Lloyd
Adrian Lewis v John Part
James Wade v Steve Brown
Raymond van Barneveld v Mervyn King
William O’Connor v Andy Smith

Tuesday October 4 (7pm)
First Round
Jamie Caven v Denis Ovens
Mark Hylton v Mark Walsh
Dave Chisnall v Alan Tabern
Mark Webster v Andy Hamilton
Gary Anderson v Richie Burnett
Phil Taylor v Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock v Terry Jenkins
Ronnie Baxter v Paul Nicholson

Wednesday October 5 (7pm start)
Second Round
Newton/Lloyd v Pipe/Henderson
Wade/Brown v van der Voort/Painter
van Barneveld/King v O’Connor/Smith
Lewis/Part v Dolan/Jones

Thursday October 6 (7pm)
Second Round
Webster/Hamilton v Chisnall/Tabern
Whitlock/Jenkins v Hylton/Walsh
Taylor/Wright v Baxter/Nicholson
Anderson/Burnett v Caven/Ovens

Friday October 7 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals
Lewis/Part/Dolan/Jones v Newton/Lloyd/Pipe/Henderson
van Barneveld/King/O’Connor/Smith v Wade/Brown/van der Voort/Painter
Taylor/Wright/Baxter/Nicholson v Webster/Hamilton/Chisnall/Tabern
Whitlock/Jenkins/Hylton/Walsh v Anderson/Burnett/Caven/Ovens

Saturday October 8 (7pm)
Semi-Finals

Sunday October 9
6pm – Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay Final
Connie Finnan v Shane O’Connor
Best of 11 legs

7pm - World Grand Prix Final

Qualified Players
PDC Order of Merit Top 16 (Top Eight Seeded)
1 Phil Taylor
2 Adrian Lewis
3 James Wade
4 Gary Anderson
5 Simon Whitlock
6 Raymond van Barneveld
7 Wes Newton
8 Mark Webster
9 Paul Nicholson
10 Terry Jenkins
11 Andy Hamilton
12 Mervyn King
13 Wayne Jones
14 Mark Walsh
15 Colin Lloyd
16 Ronnie Baxter

Players Championship Order of Merit Qualifiers
17 John Part
18 Vincent van der Voort
19 Justin Pipe
20 Jamie Caven
21 Andy Smith
22 Peter Wright
23 Dave Chisnall
24 Kevin Painter
25 Denis Ovens
26 Richie Burnett
27 Alan Tabern
28 Steve Brown
29 Mark Hylton
30 John Henderson

Top Two Players from Ireland/Northern Ireland in Players Championship Order of Merit
31 Brendan Dolan
32 William O’Connor

Wade picked up a second World Grand Prix victory last October, defeating Adrian Lewis in the final at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The left-hander has drawn Bristol’s Steve Brown in the cut-throat best-of-three set first round in the World Grand Prix, which begins on Monday October 3.

World Champion Lewis will also be in action on the opening night when he faces Canada’s John Part, the two-time World Grand Prix finalist and three-time World Champion who hit a nine-darter in the World Matchplay in July.

Raymond van Barneveld faces Mervyn King in another heavyweight contest on the opening night, while number seven seed Wes Newton – the UK Open runner-up in June – meets 2004 champion Colin Lloyd.

Limerick’s William O’Connor will compete in front of his home fans when he meets Andy Smith, while Northern Ireland’s Brendan Dolan drew Wayne Jones.

Nine-time World Grand Prix winner Phil Taylor will begin his challenge on Tuesday October 4 against Lowestoft’s colourful Peter Wright, one of the 16 qualifiers through the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson has drawn Richie Burnett, the Welshman who won through to the World Grand Prix in dramatic fashion by winning Sunday’s Players Championship in Holland.

Number five seed Simon Whitlock drew two-time runner-up Terry Jenkins, Mark Webster plays Andy Hamilton and Ronnie Baxter meets Paul Nicholson – with the winner going on to face either Taylor or Wright in round two.

Dave Chisnall will make his World Grand Prix debut with a St Helens derby against local rival Alan Tabern, UK Open semi-finalist Denis Ovens drew Jamie Caven and Mark Walsh meets Mark Hylton.

Tickets for the World Grand Prix, which is held from October 3-9 at the New Citywest Convention Centre, are still by calling the Citywest Hotel Box Office on 00353 (0)1 401 0505.

2011 World Grand Prix
First Round Draw Bracket
Phil Taylor (1) v Peter Wright
Ronnie Baxter v Paul Nicholson
Mark Webster (8) v Andy Hamilton
Dave Chisnall v Alan Tabern
Simon Whitlock (5) v Terry Jenkins
Mark Hylton v Mark Walsh
Gary Anderson (4) v Richie Burnett
Jamie Caven v Denis Ovens
Adrian Lewis (2) v John Part
Brendan Dolan v Wayne Jones
Wes Newton (7) v Colin Lloyd
Justin Pipe v John Henderson
Raymond van Barneveld (6) v Mervyn King
William O’Connor v Andy Smith
James Wade (3) v Steve Brown
Vincent van der Voort v Kevin Painter

RICHIE BURNETT ended a ten-year gap without a ranking title with victory over Dave Chisnall in Sunday’s Players Championship final in Holland – and dramatically booked himself a spot in the World Grand Prix in the process!

The Welsh ace went into Sunday’s PDC ProTour event, the last before the cut-off for World Grand Prix qualifiers, knowing that only a £6,000 win would see him move high enough in the Players Championship Order of Merit to earn a Dublin return.

However, he swept through the 131-player field in Nuland to snatch the title, his first since the 2001 Witch City Open in Boston.

Having dropped only five legs in wins over Jerry Hendriks, Dave Smith and Denis Ovens, he then overcame Paul Nicholson 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.

There, he edged out Kevin Painter 6-5 after his opponent missed three darts to win the deciding leg, before picking up a 6-2 win in an all-Welsh semi-final with fellow former World Champion Mark Webster.

He shared the opening eight legs of a tense final with Chisnall before making his move in the ninth, hitting a 180 in a 13-darter to lead 5-4 with the throw.

Burnett then hit scores of 180 and 140 to leave 86 after nine darts in the next, and finished 86 for an 11-darter to seal the win in style.

“I’m over the moon,” said Burnett. “I’ve felt it was there for the last year since I was back playing seriously again and everything came together for me.

“I knew this was the last resort and when I woke up this morning I said to myself ‘let’s go for it’. I knew that if I hit my doubles I can win, because I can out-score anybody and that’s what happened.

“Even when I’ve been losing it’s only been by the thickness of a wire, so I’ve kept patient and always kept looking forward, and I knew it would come for me.

“I came into this weekend thinking if I can win one, and I know I’m capable, it might get me into the World Grand Prix so there was massive pressure on me.

“In the final I only responded in the last two legs but I responded well.”

Burnett has drawn Gary Anderson in the first round of the World Grand Prix, and he added: “If I’m playing well I can beat anybody and it should be a fantastic game with Gary.”

Chisnall found himself on the losing side in his third PDC ProTour final since coming through Qualifying School in January to win a Tour Card, but again showed his class in a fine day.

He picked up four successive 6-2 victories in reaching the quarter-finals, where he disposed of Nigel Heydon, before whitewashing Belgian newcomer Kurt van de Rijk in the semis.

Van de Rijk had reached the second round of Saturday’s Players Championship but knocked out Tony Eccles, Brendan Dolan, Mensur Suljovic, Peter Wright and Steve Evans in his run to the last four, where he picked up £2,000.

World number eight Webster was the other semi-finalist as he sought to claim his second Players Championship victory inside 12 months, while Heydon, Evans, Painter and Michael Smith were the losing quarter-finalists.

Webster had been the unlucky player to drop from the final qualifying place for the World Grand Prix a year ago, when Steve Farmer swept through the field in Nuland, and this time it was Coventry’s Scott Rand who missed out following Burnett’s success.

Rand had reached the semi-finals of Saturday’s Players Championship, but picked up only £200 following a second round defeat on Sunday, while Steve Beaton’s late challenge failed when he lost in the last 16 to Michael Smith.

Players Championship 20
(Nuland, Holland – Sunday September 25)
Preliminary Round
Steffen Siepmann 6-1 Wilhelm Schwingenschlogel
Jean-Marie Rubais 6-1 Rudi Minnenbach
Gilbert van der Meijden 6-5 Wichard Knoops

First Round
Gary Anderson (1) 6-1 Rene Lander
Dylan Duo 6-0 Henry Zapata
Nigel Heydon (32) 6-0 Adam Hunt
Mark Dudbridge 6-0 Steffen Siepmann
Mervyn King (16) 6-3 Martino Tagliapietra
Darren Johnson 6-4 John O’Shea
Alan Tabern (17) 6-2 Johnny Okken
Alex Roy 6-1 Jann Hoffmann
Vincent van der Voort (8) 6-4 Mark Lieftink
Kim Huybrechts 6-0 Ryan Harrington
Dave Chisnall (25) 6-2 Jose Antonio Justicia
Steve Hine 6-2 Aodhagan O’Neill
Justin Pipe (9) 6-1 Wilfried Hoburg
Jyhan Artut 6-5 Nick Fullwell
Wayne Jones (24) 6-1 Dennis Kolen
Ian White 6-3 Chris Aubrey
Mark Walsh (5) 6-2 Karsten Koch
Magnus Caris 6-4 Matthew Edgar
John Henderson (28) 6-1 Karsten Kornath
Steve Evans 6-3 Dyson Parody
Colin Lloyd (12) 6-0 Romano Ruggeri
Wayne Atwood 6-4 Rocco Maes
Steve Brown (21) 6-3 Remco van Eijden
Roland Scholten 6-3 Shaun Griffiths
Ronnie Baxter (4) 6-2 Rico Dera
Mensur Suljovic 6-1 Dave Ladley
Kurt van de Rijk 6-3 Tony Eccles (29)
Brendan Dolan 6-4 Kirk Shepherd
Peter Wright (13) 6-2 Maik Langendorf
Mareno Michels 6-1 Adam Smith-Neale
Dennis Smith (20) 6-0 Andrea Guidi
Terry Temple 6-2 Tony Ayres
Wes Newton (2) 6-0 Lucio Rave
Antonio Alcinas 6-5 Michael Mansell
Michael Smith 6-4 Steve Farmer (31)
Adrian Gray 6-3 Jean-Marie Rubais
Steve Beaton (15) 6-3 Danny Schellekens
Andy Jenkins 6-2 Bernd Roith
Colin Osborne (18) 6-2 Wouter Vaes
William O’Connor 6-2 Veijo Viinikka
Mark Webster (7) 6-0 Gino Vos
James Richardson 6-2 Mark Frost
Andy Hamilton (26) 6-1 Mauro Stronati
Per Laursen 6-4 Carlos Rodriguez
Andy Smith (10) 6-2 Mattheus Ziolkowski
Michael Rosenauer 6-4 Mick Todd
Mark Hylton (23) 6-1 Hermie van Orsouw
Steve Maish 6-4 Chris Thompson
Jamie Caven (6) 6-4 Andries Sterk
Matt Clark 6-2 Arron Monk
Scott Rand (27) 6-5 Eduardo Lopes Sales
Kevin McDine 6-0 Andree Welge
Kevin Painter (11) 6-3 Erwin Renkema
Marko Kantele 6-4 John Michael
Co Stompe (22) 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Michael van Gerwen 6-4 Boris Krcmar
Paul Nicholson (3) 6-0 Niels-Jan Stuiver
Brian Woods 6-2 Reece Robinson
Jelle Klaasen (30) 6-3 Christian van Overdijk
Gilbert van der Meijden 6-5 Andy Hutchings
Denis Ovens (14) 6-2 Ruzdya Hopic
Joe Cullen 6-4 Steve Grubb
Richie Burnett (19) 6-1 Jerry Hendriks
Dave Smith 6-2 Barrie Bates

Second Round
Gary Anderson 6-1 Dylan Duo
Nigel Heydon 6-2 Mark Dudbridge
Mervyn King 6-5 Darren Johnson
Alan Tabern 6-4 Alex Roy
Kim Huybrechts 6-3 Vincent van der Voort
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Steve Hine
Justin Pipe 6-5 Jyhan Artut
Wayne Jones 6-1 Ian White
Magnus Caris 6-3 Mark Walsh
Steve Evans 6-2 John Henderson
Wayne Atwood 6-5 Colin Lloyd
Steve Brown 6-2 Roland Scholten
Mensur Suljovic 6-2 Ronnie Baxter
Kurt van de Rijk 6-4 Brendan Dolan
Peter Wright 6-2 Mareno Michels
Terry Temple 6-3 Dennis Smith
Wes Newton 6-3 Antonio Alcinas
Michael Smith 6-4 Adrian Gray
Steve Beaton 6-5 Andy Jenkins
Colin Osborne 6-3 William O’Connor
Mark Webster 6-0 James Richardson
Per Laursen 6-5 Andy Hamilton
Michael Rosenauer 6-4 Andy Smith
Mark Hylton 6-4 Steve Maish
Matt Clark 6-2 Jamie Caven
Kevin McDine 6-4 Scott Rand
Kevin Painter 6-5 Marko Kantele
Co Stompe 6-3 Michael van Gerwen
Paul Nicholson 6-1 Brian Woods
Jelle Klaasen 6-4 Gilbert van der Meijden
Denis Ovens 6-3 Joe Cullen
Richie Burnett 6-2 Dave Smith
Losers £200

Third Round
Nigel Heydon 6-2 Gary Anderson
Mervyn King 6-3 Alan Tabern
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Kim Huybrechts
Justin Pipe 6-4 Wayne Jones
Steve Evans 6-3 Magnus Caris
Steve Brown 6-3 Wayne Atwood
Kurt van de Rijk 6-5 Mensur Suljovic
Peter Wright 6-3 Terry Temple
Michael Smith 6-4 Wes Newton
Steve Beaton 6-1 Colin Osborne
Mark Webster 6-2 Per Laursen
Mark Hylton 6-2 Michael Rosenauer
Matt Clark 6-4 Kevin McDine
Kevin Painter 6-3 Co Stompe
Paul Nicholson 6-2 Jelle Klaasen
Richie Burnett 6-2 Denis Ovens
Losers £400

Fourth Round
Nigel Heydon 6-3 Mervyn King
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Justin Pipe
Steve Evans 6-1 Steve Brown
Kurt van de Rijk 6-5 Peter Wright
Michael Smith 6-4 Steve Beaton
Mark Webster 6-3 Mark Hylton
Kevin Painter 6-2 Matt Clark
Richie Burnett 6-4 Paul Nicholson
Losers £600

Quarter-Finals
Dave Chisnall 6-3 Nigel Heydon
Kurt van de Rijk 6-2 Steve Evans
Mark Webster 6-2 Michael Smith
Richie Burnett 6-5 Kevin Painter
Losers £1,000

Semi-Finals
Dave Chisnall 6-0 Kurt van de Rijk
Richie Burnett 6-2 Mark Webster
Losers £2,000

Final
Richie Burnett 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Winner £6,000
Runner-Up £3,000

Final – Leg-By-Leg
Dave Chisnall v Richie Burnett
0-0 – Richie Burnett wins the bull and will throw first
0-1 – Burnett hits two 140s to be first to a double, but is given a reprieve for two missed doubles when Chisnall misses tops, allowing him back on double four.
1-1 – Chisnall nails double 18 at the first time of asking to level.
1-2 – Chisnall misses double 18 and nine to break and Burnett is again let off, returning to hit double 12 at the second time of asking.
2-2 – Chisnall opens with scores of 180, 137 and 136, and eventually wins the leg on double five in 15 darts.
2-3 – Burnett hits a 180 of his own in a 13-darter to regain the lead, hitting tops for the leg.
3-3 – Chisnall again kicks off with a 180, and finishes 73 on tops for another 15-dart leg.
3-4 – Burnett misses double 18 for a 156 finish, but Chisnall is unable to make him pay for subsequent misses before the Welshman returns to hit double one.
4-4 – Chisnall opens with back-to-back 140s and posts double top for a 13-darter in levelling once more.
4-5 – Burnett opens with a 180 and follows that with a 140 before posting double six for a 13-darter in reply.
4-6 – The Welshman lands another 180 and seals victory with an 86 finish for an 11-darter.

JAMES WADE claimed his fifth major title with a 6-3 victory over Adrian Lewis in the final of the Bodog.com World Grand Prix.

The left-hander from Aldershot picked up his second Dublin title, following up his 2007 triumph with a confident defeat of Lewis, who knocked out reigning champion Phil Taylor in the semis but failed to repeat the feat against Wade.

While the first four sets were shared, Wade crucially took the next two for a 4-2 lead and, after Lewis won the seventh, he took two more sets of his own to wrap up the victory.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Wade, who also leaps above Raymond van Barneveld to become world number two once again. “To be called champion again is a great feeling for me.

“I’ve not been playing well at times this year and I probably didn’t this week but I was good enough to win the tournament, and that’s all that matters to me.

“I’ve doubted myself but this will give me a lot of belief because I know I can improve still so to win a major title and know I’ve got improvement left in me is a big thing.”

Wade made a brilliant start to the contest, with his accuracy on double top helping him to take the first set without reply by hitting the bed on three occasions.

Both players opened the second set with scores of 160, but it was Lewis who led by hitting a 180 and double top for a 14-darter, which he repeated to break in the second leg.

Wade broke back after three missed darts from Lewis for the set, but the younster punished a slow start from the left-hander – who missed ten starting doubles in the fourth – to land double ten and square the game.

Wade’s clinical finishing on double top saw him sweep through the third set with a trio of legs, as Lewis twice saw legs slip away.

He regained his composure to edge the fourth in five legs, defying a 100 checkout and two maximums from Wade to take the decider in 14 darts with a 56 checkout.

He also led 2-1 in the fifth, but was left waiting on 40 for the set when Wade finished brilliantly on the bullseye with an 81 checkout to level.

The left-hander then took the deciding leg on tops to edge 3-2 up in the match, before winning the sixth set against the darts to lead by two.

Lewis had taken out 78 for the opening leg of the sixth, but Wade levelled and punished his opponent’s sloppy finishing to break – as the Stoke ace missed double 18, two darts at double nine and then burst his score.

Lewis also missed the bull for a 121 finish in leg four, as Wade posted tops to lead 4-2, finally putting daylight between the pair.

The next, though, went comfortably the way of Lewis as he cut the gap to one with three successive legs, opening with a fine 11-darter and then taking out 96 and 89 to pull back to 4-3.

Wade won the eighth 3-1 against the darts, twice breaking throw and hitting a 14-dart finish as he pulled towards the finishing line.

A 100 checkout put him ahead in the next, before Lewis hit a 180 in a 15-darter to level and a 13-darter against the throw for a 2-1 advantage.

However, he missed double top for the set in the fourth as Wade took out double four for a 14-dart finish before the left-hander claimed glory with an 80 checkout on double five.

“I’ve won five majors now but this means maybe more for me,” added Wade. “I was desperate to win tonight because my Nan isn’t too well and I was determined to do something to cheer her up, so this is dedicated to her.

“I felt good before the game but I was also really nervous, because Adrian can hit some big scores and we only saw glimpses of that in the final.

“I think the occasion maybe got to him and I also applied enough consistent pressure on him.

“I’m still not happy with my performance but it’s the third time I’ve come off after a major final feeling that I didn’t play that well but with the win and that’s the main thing.”

Lewis admitted that his semi-final win had been emotionally draining, and said: “I’m annoyed with myself.

“I was really up for playing Phil and although I didn’t feel physically tired I did feel mentally tired. It took a lot out of me in the semis and it did take its toll because I hit 16 180s against Phil and only eight against James, and I missed a few stupid shots.

“I’m know as one of the best scorers in the world but my finishing has let me down sometimes but I’ve started well all week and, other than in the final, I started at the right time.

“Tonight, I didn’t get off as quickly and that killed me in the end. James has finished well throughout the tournament and deserved to win.

“It’s the biggest game I’ve played in but I’m learning and it won’t be the last final that we compete against each other – and I’m determined that he won’t win many more!

“Overall, I’ll take a lot from the tournament and especially from beating Phil, and I’ll be back. I’m disappointed, but I’ll keep battling”

LEWIS KNOCKS OUT TAYLOR TO SET UP FINAL WITH WADE

ADRIAN LEWIS stunned Phil Taylor with his first-ever televised win over the reigning Bodog.com World Grand Prix champion, booking his place in the final with a dramatic deciding-leg win at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

Lewis emerged in 2004 as a practice partner of the Stoke legend, and produced his finest performance yet on the big stage to win through to face James Wade in Sunday’s final.

The 25-year-old trailed Taylor 4-2 before taking six legs out of seven to force a decider, which he won in a sudden-death leg after the reigning champion twice missed match darts.

Taylor had edged out Gary Anderson 4-3 in the quarter-finals on Friday night, but narrowly missed out in his bid to claim a tenth World Grand Prix title following a superb contest.

“I’ve known Phil a long time and he knows how I can play but I’ve finally done it on stage against him,” said Lewis. “He’s the best player who’s lived but people don’t realise how tough it is to play him.

“It’s always going to be a battle and I was up for the battle tonight. I played well and deserved to win, and it’s my time to shine.

“I’m 25 now and I’ve messed about for too long to not win a major title. I want to win title after title and if I win this event on Sunday night I think I can go on to win a lot more.”

Wade, meanwhile, remains on course for a second World Grand Prix triumph after defeating world number two Raymond van Barneveld 5-1.

The 2007 champion took a 3-0 lead against his Dutch rival, and after van Barneveld – inspired by a 170 on his way to the fourth set – staged a brief rally, the left-hander won the next two sets to complete the win.

“I’m over the moon to be in the final,” said Wade. “I’ve come here to win the tournament again but I know I’ve got to play better than that to win it.

“My performances are improving and I was very pleased with this win, but I know I’ve still got more in the tank.”

Bodog.com World Grand Prix
Semi-Finals
James Wade 5-1 Raymond van Barneveld
Adrian Lewis 5-4 Phil Taylor

Final
Sunday 7.30pm
Adrian Lewis v James Wade
Best of 11 sets
Prececed at 6.15pm by:
Tom Kirby Memorial Irish Matchplay Final
Michael Mansell v Stephen Byrne

JAMES WADE 5-1 RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD
(3-2, 3-2, 3-0, 2-3, 3-1, 3-2)
JAMES WADE’S challenge for a second Bodog.com World Grand Prix title continued with a superb 5-1 win over Raymond van Barneveld as he booked his place in Sunday’s final at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

The left-hander’s bid to follow up his 2007 win by claiming the £100,000 title on Sunday continued with his best performance so far in the tournament as he defeated the two-time finalist.

Wade took the first three sets of the match without reply to take command, and held off van Barneveld’s rally – which included a 170 finish – to move into the final.

Van Barneveld had made a sensational start to the game, hitting a 152 score with his opening three darts and finishing 92 for an 11-dart finish.

While he missed one dart at double 19 to break in the second leg, the Dutchman took the third for a 2-1 lead before Wade hit a 101 finish to level and then opened the decider with a 160 and landed double top for the set.

Double 16 in the second set’s opener saw van Barneveld break Wade for the first time, but Wade replied with a 121 bullseye checkout and double top to regain his lead.

The Dutchman hit double 16 again to force another deciding leg, but Wade once more opened with a 160 and landed double ten for a 2-0 lead.

Wade streaked through set three without reply from the Dutchman, who was on 55 as the left-hander broke in leg one before missing two darts at double 14 in the next.

Wade posted a 180 to leave 40 in wrapping up the set for a 3-0 advantage in the game, and then landed double ten in the fourth set’s opening two legs.

Van Barneveld replied with a 170 finish, a checkout that galvanised the five-time World Champion.

He levelled the set on double top, and responded to a 174 score from Wade by checking out 100 in the decider for a 14-darter as he took the set.

Wade, though, punished him to take the fifth set’s opening two legs, with a missed double six for a 126 finish allowing the 2007 champion in to hit the same bed after leaving 24 with a 180 in the first.

Van Barneveld then missed 14 darts to open the second leg as Wade doubles his advantage, only to then lose his range as a 68 finish gave the Dutchman the third.

Wade, though, was first to a double in the next and posted double eight to move a set away from victory.

Van Barneveld – aided by a change to using pear-shaped flights – took out 52 to break in the sixth set’s opener, before Wade took the second with double one.

Van Barneveld landed a 180 to leave 84 in the third, but missed four darts to take the leg as double top moved Wade to the brink of victory.

He battled back with scores of 152 and 140 to open the next, and defied a 180 from Wade to hit double eight for the leg to square the set.

But three misses to open the decider handed Wade the initiative, and he took out double five to complete the victory.

“I’m over the moon to be in the final,” said Wade. “I’ve come here to win the tournament again but I know I’ve got to play better than that to win it.

“My performances are improving and I was very pleased with this win, but I know I’ve still got more in the tank.”

Wade admitted to allowing the pro-Barneveld crowd to affect him, and said: “I found that hard to handle but I can’t keep using the crowd as an excuse.

“I want to go up on stage and play great darts and hopefully with the crowd behind me I can do that.”

ADRIAN LEWIS 5-4 PHIL TAYLOR
(3-2, 0-3, 3-2, 0-3, 1-3, 1-3, 3-1, 3-0, 3-2)
ADRIAN LEWIS stunned Phil Taylor with his first-ever televised win over the reigning Bodog.com World Grand Prix champion, booking his place in the final with a dramatic deciding-leg win at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin.

Lewis emerged in 2004 as a practice partner of the Stoke legend, and produced his finest performance yet on the big stage to win through to face James Wade in Sunday’s final.

The 25-year-old trailed Taylor 4-2 before taking six legs out of seven to force a decider, which he won in a sudden-death leg after the reigning champion twice missed match darts.

Taylor had edged out Gary Anderson 4-3 in the quarter-finals on Friday night, but narrowly missed out in his bid to claim a tenth World Grand Prix title following a superb contest.

“I’ve known Phil a long time and he knows how I can play but I’ve finally done it on stage against him,” said Lewis. “He’s the best player who’s lived but people don’t realise how tough it is to play him.

“It’s always going to be a battle and I was up for the battle tonight. I played well and deserved to win, and it’s my time to shine.

“I’m 25 now and I’ve messed about for too long to not win a major title. I want to win title after title and if I win this event on Sunday night I think I can go on to win a lot more.”

Lewis started well, coming from 2-1 down in the opening set to land double top in the fourth and double 16 to win the set.

Taylor responded to take the second without reply, hitting finishes of double five and double ten before trading 180s in the third and landing a two-dart 64 finish to level.

Lewis kicked off the third brilliantly, hitting a 180 and a 120 finish in the first leg and two 180s in a ten-dart finish for a 2-0 lead.

Taylor took out 92 on the bull for the third, and opened the fourth with a 160 before finishing 84 to send the set into a decider.

Lewis landed a 180 but a miss at double nine allowed Taylor in, only for the reigning champion to miss the bull on this occasion and allow the youngster in for double four to edge another set.

The fourth, like the second, went to Taylor without reply as he reeled off three successive legs after Lewis missed double top in the opener.

Taylor also led 2-0 in the fifth, hitting a pair of 180s in the process, before Lewis took out double 18 to end a run of five successive legs.

However, Taylor finished 96 on double eight for the second to move in front for the first time in the game.

Taylor then took what appeared to be a pivotal leg in the sixth set’s opener, as Lewis hit scores of 160 and 180 to set up a potential nine-darter, only to miss the treble 17 for a 161 finish.

He left 24 after nine darts, but Taylor brilliantly took out 170 to hold throw.

While Lewis levelled in the next, Taylor hit a 180 in taking leg three and matched a maximum from the youngster and landed double top for the set and a 4-2 advantage.

Lewis’ heavy scoring continued in the seventh set, hitting a 180 and a 121 finish in the opening leg and two more maximums in winning the set 3-1.

He then hit two 180s in the eighth set’s opener, which he took on double top after a missed double eight from Taylor, before taking the second in brilliant fashion after another maximum, taking out 80 with two double tops.

Another double top finish gave him the set and ensured a deciding ninth set, but when he missed double 15 for a 110 finish Taylor looked set to swoop – taking out double ten to break and then winning leg two for a 2-0 lead.

However, he missed double top for the match in the next, with Lewis recovering from four earlier misses to hit double two, before stepping in again after Taylor missed the bullseye on 92 to force a sudden-death leg.

Having won six successive legs to snatch a seven-set thriller against Anderson in the quarters, Taylor’s timing for once deserted him as he missed four starting doubles in the decisive leg.

Lewis pulled clear and left 106, which he finish on double top to take an amazing victory.

“People don’t realise that I’d not won a set against Phil before on TV in a set format, so when I won the first set I said to myself this was my chance,” added Lewis. “I had the crowd with me and I was feeling great.

“Before when I’d go 4-2 down against Phil I’d crumble but I was determined to show how much ability and bottle I’ve got and I dug in.

“The 170 was a big shot and it hurt me but I’m growing up now. Not many people can beat Phil over a long format on TV but I’ve done that and it feels great.”