• Grand Slam of Darts

Taylor powers past Nicholson to set up Lewis showdown

Phil Taylor remains on course for a fourth title © PA Photos

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Phil Taylor held off a spirited performance from Paul Nicholson to book his place in the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

The 15-time world champion beat Nicholson 16-7 to set up a mouthwatering clash with current world champion Adrian Lewis. Taylor burst out of the blocks to storm to a 3-0 lead, and never looked in danger of defeat after marching to an 8-1 advantage.

Nicholson, who beat Taylor at the UK Open in June, briefly threatened to launch a comeback, but Taylor showed his class to close out victory.

"[Adrian] was like a son to me," Taylor told Sky Sports. "But he's a rival now. If anyone was going to take the world title off me it was him."

PDC world champion Lewis wasted little time in seeing off Mark Webster 16-5. After an edgy opening, Lewis hit his first 180 in the ninth, which sparked a run which saw him win eight of the ensuing nine legs. Webster briefly threatened with a 108 check out, but Lewis held his nerve, winning the final three legs to wrap up a comfortable victory.

Earlier on Saturday, Gary Anderson stormed into the semi-finals with a 16-12 win over Terry Jenkins. It was a stuttering display, as breaks of throw were traded at regular intervals. But it was Anderson who steeled himself after the second interval to power clear.

The Scot started scoring heavily and combined this with unerring accuracy on the doubles to move to 13-7 ahead of the third break. Jenkins attempted to rally and the quality from both players continued, but Anderson had enough class to ease to victory in Wolverhampton.

Mark Walsh stumbled over the finishing line to beat Ted Hankey 16-14 to book a semi-final with Anderson. Walsh led throughout and looked certain to cruise through when easing into a 15-10 lead. Hankey, who struggled with his finishing earlier in the match, hit form and roared back to 15-14. He had three shots at double-16 to force a decider, but failed to convert and Walsh took out 90 to secure his place in the last four.

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