• PDC World Darts Championship

Taylor gets the better of Van Barneveld again

Phil Taylor once again got the better of his old foe Raymond van Barneveld © PA Photos

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Phil Taylor set up a PDC World Championship final against Gary Anderson after he once again got the better of his old foe Raymond van Barneveld on the Alexandra Palace stage.

After watching Anderson beat defending champion Michael van Gerwen earlier on Saturday, Taylor produced a superb performance to beat Van Barneveld 6-2 and remain on course to win world title No.17.

Taylor took the opening set against the throw as he finished 121 on the bullseye - his first three-figure checkout in the tournament - in the deciding leg, before seeing a nine-dart finish go begging after missing treble 19. However, he returned to take the set 3-1 and double his advantage.

Van Barneveld, though, produced a stern response and won set three without reply to reduce the deficit and then clinched set four thanks to three 180s. The "Power" hit back and, with set five locked at two legs apiece, edged the decider with nerveless finishing to retake the lead.

Taylor took out double top to move ahead in the first leg of the sixth, only for Van Barneveld to respond with the same double. Two "Power" 180's followed but his nine-dart finish attempt went begging again after he missed treble 19. It was good enough to win the next two legs as Taylor averaged 118 for the set and moved into a 4-2 lead.

The Dutchman couldn't muster a reply as Taylor landed double top to break throw again and then made it five consecutive legs to move within a set of the final.

Taylor comfortably held the first leg of the seventh set and a beaten-looking Van Barneveld tamely conceded his throw to put the Stoke ace within a leg of Sunday's final. "Barney" responded with back-to-back 180s to hold throw and keep his hopes alive, but Taylor finally ended the Dutchman's resistance as he took out 58 for the victory.

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