MICHAEL VAN GERWEN was crowned as the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals winner for a second time as his incredible run of form continued with a fourth successive televised title during November.
 
The Dutchman has dominated the past month with some brilliant displays as he won the European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and World Series of Darts Finals titles, and scooped the £65,000 winner's prize at the Butlins Minehead Resort to add to that list.
 
Van Gerwen was simply unstoppable throughout the weekend, seeing off Keegan Brown and Vincent van der Voort to reach Sunday's third day before powering past Dave Chisnall 10-7 and then overcoming Daryl Gurney 11-2 in the semi-finals.
 
He then proved too strong for his great rival Lewis in the final to win back the title he previously claimed in 2013 by seeing off another Stoke superstar, Phil Taylor.
 
On that day van Gerwen had to hit back from behind for victory, but after twice putting together a run of three successive legs to pull clear of his opponent the Dutchman was never in a similar position.
 
Lewis did lead by taking the final's opening leg, but van Gerwen hit a 180 in an 11-darter to level and finished double 16 to break throw for a 2-1 lead.
 
Lewis responded with a superb 118 finish, but van Gerwen landed a 180 in taking the next for another break, before punishing one miss from the Stoke ace in each of the next two legs as a brace of double ten finishes moved him 5-2 up.
 
Lewis capitalised on three misses at double 16 from van Gerwen to take the eighth leg on double 12 before landing tops to pull back to 5-4 but he missed tops for a 119 finish to level as van Gerwen hit double ten to edge away.
 
Finishes of double nine and double six in the next two legs saw van Gerwen pull out to 8-4, with Lewis' 102 finish - after the pair traded 180s - being followed by a 117 checkout from his rival as the world number one took a 9-5 lead.
 
Van Gerwen added another 180 and double 12 to move to the brink of victory, with Lewis stepping in to punish two missed match darts by finishing a brilliant 147 checkout, but three misses in the next allowed the Dutchman in on double six for the win.
 
The triumph is van Gerwen's second of the year at the Butlins Minehead Resort in Somerset, following March's UK Open triumph, and his 18th in a PDC event during an imperious 2015.
 
"I'm really glad to have this title back, absolutely over the moon," said van Gerwen. "It was difficult to get the win but I'm really glad I did.
 
"Adrian's a fantastic player but I was the better player in this game and I just want to keep this form going now because I'm playing really well.
 
"It's amazing. I've been on an incredible run, not just in this tournament but also in the tournaments before, but they've been perfect for me.
 
"It gives me so much confidence, but I need to relax and prepare for the World Championship. I'll be fresh and fit and ready to win another really big major."
 
Lewis had been denied by Gary Anderson in the Players Championship Finals decider 12 months ago, and despite hitting three ton-plus checkouts in the final was left to rue another loss, saying: "It was one of those nights.
 
"I missed a couple of doubles early doors and let Michael in a few times. The 147 to save the match was a massive shot to save the match but then I kicked in with 42 to start the next leg.
 
"I've got to reflect on a good weekend because it's the first final I've reached in the ranking majors this year."
 
Lewis had raced past Austria's Mensur Suljovic 11-1 in his semi-final, taking the opening eight legs without reply and finishes of 116 and 103 on his way to the decider.
 
He had also defeated Simon Whitlock 10-7 in Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals, and took home £35,000 as the runner-up to consolidate his position as number five in the world rankings.
 
While Suljovic's inspired quarter-final win over Ian White saw him reach his second major semi-final in the space of two months - following his run at October's World Grand Prix - Gurney was appearing in the last four on TV for the first time.
 
The Northern Irish ace had seen off 2012 runner-up Kim Huybrechts and reigning champion Gary Anderson to progress to Sunday's final stages, and overcame Dutch youngster Benito van de Pas 10-5 in the quarter-finals.
 
Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Saturday November 28
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Michael Smith 3-10 Mensur Suljovic
Adrian Lewis 10-3 Alan Norris
James Wade 3-10 Benito van de Pas
Dave Chisnall 10-8 Jamie Lewis
 
Evening Session
Ian White 10-9 Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright 9-10 Simon Whitlock
Daryl Gurney 10-4 Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen 10-6 Vincent van der Voort
 
Sunday November 29
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
Mensur Suljovic 10-6 Ian White
Adrian Lewis 10-7 Simon Whitlock
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Dave Chisnall
Daryl Gurney 10-5 Benito van de Pas
Best of 19 legs
 
Evening Session
Semi-Finals
Mensur Suljovic 1-11 Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen 11-2 Daryl Gurney
Best of 21 legs
 
Final
Michael van Gerwen 11-6 Adrian Lewis
Best of 21 legs
 
Semi-Finals Round-Up
Adrian Lewis raced past Mensur Suljovic to reach the final, dropping only one leg in an 11-1 rout of the Austrian ace, who was unable to repeat the form which had taken him to his second major semi-final in the space of two months.
 
The tone for the game was set when Suljovic missed three darts at doubles in the opening leg and two in the second, with Lewis capitalising thanks to checkouts of 78 and 75, both on double 12, to take immediate command.
 
Lewis then broke again on double ten and landed double eight before punishing two further misses from Suljovic to win a fifth successive leg.
 
Lewis, last year's runner-up in Minehead, took out 116 as he continued his march, and though Suljovic hit a 180 in the seventh, another two misses at tops allowed the Stoke ace in to finish 62 on double 16.
 
Lewis hit a 180 and double ten to win his eighth leg and landed two maximums in the next, only to be punished for his own missed doubles as Suljovic produced a fine 96 checkout to get off the mark on double 14.
 
Lewis, though, restored his cushion with a superb 103 checkout in the tenth leg, after the pair traded 180s, before he landed a maximum and an 85 finish for a 12-darter and tops to wrap up the win.
 
Michael van Gerwen's charge towards a second Cash Converters Players Championship Finals triumph continued with an 11-2 semi-final win over Daryl Gurney, which the top seed capped with a 170 checkout.
 
Northern Ireland's Gurney hit back from an early 2-0 deficit to level, landing three 180s in the opening four legs and finishing 80 and a 14-darter to stay in touch with the world number one.
 
Van Gerwen landed a 180 in a 14-darter to edge back ahead, and took out 84 on the bull and 74 to take charge, despite two further 180s from Gurney, at 5-2.
 
Van Gerwen hit 180s in the next two legs as tops and double 18 moved him 7-2 up, before three missed doubles from Gurney proved costly as double eight gave him a six-leg lead.
 
Gurney landed a 180 in the 11th leg, but double nine moved van Gerwen into a 9-2 lead, before he punished a missed bull from the Northern Irish ace to win a tenth leg, and the killer blow came with a spectacular 170 checkout to seal the win.
 
Quarter-Finals Round-Up
Michael van Gerwen turned on the style as he won a high-scoring quarter-final with a 10-7 win over Dave Chisnall, as he continues his bid to reclaim the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals title.
 
Van Gerwen averaged over 107 following a superb display, hitting eight 180s, three 177 scores and a 174, while Chisnall landed seven 180s, a brilliant 132 finish and averaged 105.51 in reply but ultimately paid for missed doubles.
 
The heavy scoring began in the opening leg as van Gerwen fired in a 177 before Chisnall hit a 180, and the Englishman punished three missed doubles to finish double eight to lead.
 
Van Gerwen levelled, following a pair of mises at double eight by Chisnall, before the pair traded checkouts of 76 and 87 - as the Dutchman hit the bull - to remain locked at two-all.
 
Van Gerwen then hit his second 180 before capitalising when Chisnall was unable to finish 139, as an 81 finish saw him break before he took out 80 for a two-leg lead at 4-2.
 
Chisnall took two of the next three to stay in touch, but van Gerwen hit scores of 177 and 180 as he finished a 12-darter to regain his two-leg cushion.
 
The pair then hit three maximums in a key 11th leg, with Chisnall providing two only to miss three darts at doubles as van Gerwen broke on double eight for a 7-4 lead.
 
Chisnall responded by taking out a crowd-pleasing 132 finish with two bullseyes and double 16, only to miss darts at double 16 and eight in the next - after the pair traded 180s - as van Gerwen hit double ten to regain his lead.
 
Double 18 saw Chisnall punish four misses from van Gerwen in the next as he hit back on double 18, but a trio of misses from the Premier League semi-finalist cost him as the Dutchman hit the same bed to move 9-6 up.
 
Chisnall took out 81 to punish a missed match dart from van Gerwen in the next, but when he was unable to take out 110 in the 17th leg, the world number one hit double 18 to seal victory.
 
Daryl Gurney won through to his first major televised semi-final with a 10-5 defeat of Benito van de Pas, as he followed up Saturday's memorable defeat of reigning champion Gary Anderson with another fine display.
 
Van de Pas has also impressed in reaching his first quarter-final, but saw Gurney's mid-game surge of four successive legs prove crucial in turning the game around.
 
After van de Pas took the opening leg on double 18, Gurney capitalised on a missed double ten to level before moving 2-1 up, only for the Dutchman to hit 180s in the next two as he edged 3-2 ahead.
 
Gurney landed a 180 in a 14-darter to level, and bounced back from five misses in leg seven by hitting 180 and 140 to open the next as a 13-darter levelled at four-all.
 
Gurney then finished double four, a two-dart 96 finish and double six to extend his run to four straight legs as he moved 7-4 up, and after van de Pas hit back on tops he added another 13-darter to move 8-5 up.
 
Double eight extended the lead to four legs, and Gurney then sealed his semi-final spot against van Gerwen on double nine.
 
Mensur Suljovic won through to his second major semi-final - both within the space of two months - with a superb 10-6 defeat of Ian White to continue the Austrian's bid for a maiden major title.
 
Suljovic continued his fine finishing as he took an early 3-1 lead and moved 8-4 up before closing out the win to deny White a spot in the last four.
 
Tops in the opening leg saw White lead, but that would be the only time he would hold the advantage as Suljovic punished missed doubles in the next two to finish 72 and double 18 to break as he moved 2-1 up.
 
A brilliant 139 checkout, hitting treble 20, treble 19 and double 11 in a tricky combination, saw him move two legs clear, with White repying on double 12 before seeing his opponent finish 117 on double top to move 4-2 up.
 
White hit double 16 and tops to win two of the next three as he cut the gap to 5-4, but Suljovic landed a 180 as he took the tenth leg before finishing a key 116 to break before posting double 16 as he moved 8-4 up.
 
White again won two out of three legs as he stayed in the hunt at 9-6, but another clinical double 16 finish saw Suljovic seal the win and his semi-final place.
 
Adrian Lewis overcome some dodgy doubling to secure a semi-final tie with Suljovic with a 10-7 defeat of Simon Whitlock, whose best run in a ranking major for 18 months was ended at the hands of the Stoke ace.
 
Whitlock shared the game's first ten legs - and led 5-4 at one stage - but saw Lewis' more clinical finishing in the latter stages prove crucial.
 
Although Lewis took out early legs of 13, 14 and 13 darts he only led 3-2 after Whitlock capitalised on missed doubles, and the Australian followed a 180 with double ten in leg six before the pair traded checkouts of 70 to remain locked at four-all.
 
Whitlock added another 180 in the ninth leg, and capitalised on four further misses from Lewis to break throw on tops and move 5-4 up, leading for the second time in the game.
 
Lewis took out 100 with two double tops to hit back, landed double two to move back in front and 64 on double 16 for another break to open up a 7-5 lead,
 
Whitlock's 112 checkout saw him respond and the Australian then fired in another maximum as he looked for to level, but five misses allowed Lewis in for an 8-6 lead.
 
Lewis then hit a 180 and took out 64 on tops to move 9-6 up, and though Whitlock responded by finishing 82, double eight saw the Stoke ace seal victory and a last four place.
 
Second Round Round-Up (Saturday)
In-form Peter Wright and reigning champion Gary Anderson crashed out of the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals on Saturday evening as Simon Whitlock and Daryl Gurney claimed shock victories at the Butlins Minehead Resort.
 
Whitlock reached his first major quarter-final for 18 months after winning the most dramatic match of the second round 10-9 against world number four Wright.
 
Both players missed four match-darts in a tense last-leg decider, which went Whitlock’s way as he fought off Wright’s 102 average to set up a last eight clash with Adrian Lewis.
 
Wright stormed into a 3-0 lead, hitting three 180s in the process, including back-to-back maximums to start the third leg, and fired in another 180 in the fourth leg before Whitlock stopped the surge by taking out 100.
 
Wright replied with a 66 finish before Whitlock’s first 180 helped him win the sixth leg. The next leg went with the throw before the Australian broke with an 82 checkout on the bull - only to see his opponent hit back immediately by bedding tops to lead 6-4.
 
Whitlock secured another break of throw by finishing 68 but Wright again replied in kind with an 11-darter. The world number four then pegged double four to move within two legs of victory but Whitlock kept his hopes alive by landing double three.
 
He then took out 96 to win a leg against the throw for the third time and this time he followed it up by holding with a 92 finish on the bull as he squared up at eight legs apiece.
 
Wright broke back again though, forcing a last leg decider and he looked to have ended Whitlock’s hopes when he hit a 180 to set up 61.
 
Whitlock then missed the bull for a 170 finish and both players squandered further match darts before the former European Champion landed double nine to progress.
 
“That meant the world to me,” said an emotional Whitlock. “I’ve been in the doldrums for 18 months now and it means everything to get a win like that against a player as good as Peter Wright.
 
“I thought I was in trouble at the end but I stayed positive and got a bit of luck and managed to hit double nine.
 
“I’ve been working hard on my game and there’s no reason I can’t go on and win this.”
 
Northern Ireland's Gurney, meanwhile, claimed a second big scalp in as many days as he followed up Friday's first round defeat of Kim Huybrechts by knocking out defending champion Gary Anderson to reach his first TV quarter-final.
 
Debutant Gurney won the last six legs without reply to claim a 10-6 victory against the World Champion and world number two, who failed to reach his usual high standards as his defence of the title ended just 24 hours after his opening win over Phil Taylor.
 
The first nine legs went with the throw before Gurney grabbed the first break by bedding double 18 and he never looked back, reeling off finishes of 52, 70 and 32 before completing the win on double 16.
 
“Neither of us played our best game but I’m happy to be through,” said Gurney, who had defeated Kim Huybrechts in the first round.
 
“I was lucky that Gary didn’t play like he normally does but I did what I had to and tomorrow I hope to play like I did against Kim because if I do that I can go a long way in this tournament.”
 
There were no such problems for number one seed van Gerwen, who averaged over 103 in a 10-6 success against his good friend Vincent van der Voort.
 
Van der Voort won the first two legs thanks to a 74 checkout to break in the first before pegging tops to double his lead. Van Gerwen won the next three, though, landing double top and double eight either side of a 94 finish against the throw.
 
Van der Voort’s second 180 helped him pull level but van Gerwen responded by hitting his second maximum and pinning double eight.
 
A 68 checkout from former UK Open finalist van der Voort restored parity at four legs apiece but van Gerwen edged back ahead with the aid of another 180 before breaking his opponent’s throw to lead 6-4.
 
The world number one also won the next leg before van der Voort produced a brilliant 130 checkout.
 
Van Gerwen started the 13th leg with back-to-back 180s and found two further trebles on his next visit but missed double 12 for a nine-darter, although he returned to land double six for a ten-dart finish.
 
Van der Voort grabbed the next leg but van Gerwen took the next two to seal a 10-6 win.
 
“There are no friends on the oche but it is always very difficult to play Vincent,” said van Gerwen, the 2013 winner at Minehead.
 
“That’s not just because he is my friend and was best man at my wedding but also because he is a very good player.
 
“I had to remain focused and get the job done. We’d seen a lot of the favourites go out already and I didn’t want to join that list. I’ve made every final since the World Championship on TV and I’m determined to keep that going.”
 
Ian White edged out Gerwyn Price to reach the quarter-finals with a 10-9 victory to set up a clash with in-form Mensur Suljovic.
 
Price had looked set to progress when he broke White’s throw in the 17th leg but the number seven seed fired in a vital 180 followed by an 81 checkout to level before winning the deciding leg.
 
The pair both held their throws in the first two legs before 180s in each of the next two saw White go 3-1 in front. Price broke back straight away and levelled up at three apiece after both players struggled to close out the sixth leg.
 
The next eight legs were shared to leave the match finely poised at 7-7 and they continued to win their own throws as White took out 65 and Price replied with a 95 finish with his opponent waiting on a double.
 
Price then grabbed a seemingly crucial break with a 74 checkout but White hit a timely seventh 180 to set up 81 and completed the finish to force a last-leg decider. The world number nine then held his nerve to pin double ten and move into the last eight.
 
“I’m just pleased to win tonight,” said White, who is looking to reach his first PDC major semi-final. “I thought I’d blown it when I was 9-8 down. I hit the score I had to to give myself a chance.
 
“Hopefully I can get to the semi-final as once I get over that line, I know I can go on and make finals.”
 
In Saturday's afternoon session, Benito van de Pas and Mensur Suljovic shocked James Wade and Michael Smith to reach the quarter-finals of the as Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall also progressed at the Butlins Minehead Resort.
 
Van de Pas reached his first PDC major quarter-final after a stunning display to defeat Wade in which he averaged over 105.
 
The most impressive aspect of the Dutchman’s performance was his ruthless finishing as eight checkouts of between 72 and 100 proved the key to a dominant victory.
 
Van de Pas started sensationally, winning the first four legs with checkouts of 72, 79, 72 and 96 to pile the pressure on number four seed Wade.
 
The left-hander responded by taking out 102 but van de Pas continued his relentless finishing as he added 85, 90 and 100 to his incredible collection of combination checkouts as he moved 7-1 in front.
 
The Dutch youngster then pinned double ten and Wade replied in kind before van de Pas landed double top for his fifth break of throw, moving him within one leg of victory.
 
Wade kicked off the next leg with back-to-back 180s as he got a third leg on the scoresheet but it proved to be his last as two scores of 177 and a clinical 90 finish completed a landmark victory for the two-time Development Tour winner.
 
“That was my best game ever on television,” said van de Pas, who now faces Daryl Gurney in the last eight.
 
“My floor game is finally coming to the big stage now and it’s a great win for me. I took nearly all of my chances and that is what you need to do.
 
“Hopefully I can continue to play like this and who knows what can happen.”
 
Number two seed Smith was also dumped out of the tournament as Suljovic reached his fourth major quarter-final of 2015 with a 10-3 success.
 
Last month’s World Grand Prix semi-finalist Suljovic twice won five consecutive legs to see off a below-par Smith in the opening game of round two.
 
Smith was punished for missing doubles in three of the first five legs as Suljovic raced into a 5-0 lead, taking out a 96 finish in the process.
 
The Austrian ace then missed a dart to win each of the next three legs with Smith capitalising to move within two of his opponent. A scrappy end to the ninth leg saw Suljovic eventually land double four after the pair both missed a string of shots at doubles.
 
He then pinned his favourite double 14 to break and open up a four-leg lead before moving 8-3 ahead by taking out 64 despite miscounting and bursting his score in the previous visit to the board.
 
Suljovic then finished the job in style, brilliantly checking out 137 to move within a leg of victory which was completed with a ten-darter after missing double 18 for a perfect leg.
 
Adrian Lewis booked his place in the quarter-finals with a 10-3 triumph against Alan Norris thanks to five 180s and a 99.84 average.
 
The world number five pegged double nine to break his opponent’s throw in the opening leg before pegging double five to double his advantage.
 
Norris pulled a leg back before Lewis produced a fabulous 121 finish on the bull and he won the following leg on double 15 to lead 4-1.
 
Norris then missed double 15 for a 150 checkout, allowing Lewis to bed tops to move four legs clear. The pair both kicked off the seventh leg with maximums, with Norris cleaning up 46 but he was unable to find a break of throw to leave Lewis 7-3 up at the second interval.
 
The two-time World Champion then took out 96 and 81 to complete back-to-back 11 dart-legs, hitting three 180s on the way. A fifth maximum of the match for Lewis helped him wrap up the win as he landed double top to move into the last eight.
 
“I think we both started to kick in towards the end of the match,” said Lewis, who will face either Peter Wright or Simon Whitlock in round two.
 
“I’ve settled into the tournament now and I can rest and prepare for tomorrow. I know I’ll be playing a good player next but there is a lot more to come from me.”
 
Dave Chisnall came out on top in the closest contest of the afternoon as he saw off Jamie Lewis in a high quality encounter. The pair shared 13 180s as Chisnall moved into the last eight for the first time on the Minehead stage.
 
A 180 helped Lewis take the opening leg but another in the second leg couldn’t stop Chisnall levelling.
 
The Welsh youngster’s third maximum was also in vain as Chisnall took out 68 to break but Lewis responded magnificently with consecutive finishes of 113 and 142, which he set up with yet another 180 - his fourth in the first five legs.
 
The pair exchanged maximums at the beginning of the sixth leg which Chisnall won with a spectacular 164 checkout. The 2015 Premier League semi-finalist edged ahead by pinning double five but Lewis broke back immediately by taking out 58.
 
The next two legs went with the throw to leave the pair tied at five legs apiece before Lewis finished 98. Chisnall hit double 16 to restore parity once again but Lewis took out 70 and then landed double eight to break and move into an 8-6 lead.
 
Chisnall then took the next three legs to leave himself throwing for the match and when Lewis missed three darts to force a decider, the number eight seed took out 76 to complete the win.
 
ENDS
 
TEENAGER HOPP CROWNED AS PDC UNICORN WORLD YOUTH CHAMPION
 
MAX HOPP was crowned as the 2015 PDC Unicorn World Youth Champion after defeating Nathan Aspinall 6-5 in a thrilling final at the Butlins Minehead Resort on Sunday night.
 
German teenager Hopp picked up the £10,000 first prize to succeed Keegan Brown as champion and secured his spot in the 2016 World Championship and Grand Slam of Darts - although he did it the hard way in a tight contest.
 
Hopp never led until he landed the winning double, after the game's opening ten legs all went with the throw.
 
The 19-year-old had missed a chance to break throw in the game's opening leg, being unable to land tops for a 125 finish, as Aspinall followed a 180 with double eight to lead.
 
Aspinall then missed a chance to break in leg two as Hopp levelled, and after the 24-year-old moved 2-1 up, a 66 checkout from the German was cancelled out by a 62 finish from his rival.
 
Aspinall added another 180 in the sixth leg, but Hopp left 40 with a 138 score before finishing tops for a 14-darter to square the contest again.
 
Aspinall's double top was cancelled out by double 12 from Hopp to leave the scores tied at four-all, with the German ace then hitting a 150 score to lave 32 only to see his opponent finish a brilliant 90 on the bullseye to move 5-4 up.
 
Double 12 saw Hopp level to send the final into a deciding leg, and the 19-year-old landed his first 180 of the game to be the first player to a finish.
 
He initially missed three match darts at double top, ten and five, but when Aspinall missed double 16 to finish 101 for the title, Hopp returned on double five to seal the title.
 
"I'm so happy," said Hopp. "It was close, like I expected, and I'm really glad I hit that double five and won the title.
 
"This title was so important for me. I've played for three years now and I wanted a title, I've got it now and I hope it will give me confidence to show what I am capable of."
 
The pair had won through October's early rounds from the Last 64 down to the semi-finals in Wigan, with Hopp overcoming Stephen Rosney, Berry van Peer, Kenny Neyens, Jeffrey De Zwaan and Dean Reynolds.
 
The PDC Unicorn Development Tour, open to players aged 16-23, will return in 2016 with five weekends of action, each of which will feature four tournaments each worth £10,000 in prize money.
 
The PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship will then follow at the end of the season, based on the top 48 players from the final Development Tour Order of Merit and a series of International Qualifiers.
 
PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final
Max Hopp v Nathan Aspinall
0-1 - Hopp misses tops for a 125 finish, and Aspinall follows a nerve-settling 180 with double eight.
1-1 - Aspinall misses his chance to move two legs up, and Hopp steps in on double ten to level.
1-2 - Aspinall takes out 43 to edge back ahead.
2-2 - Hopp finishes 66 on double 18 to hit back again.
2-3 - A 62 finish sees Aspinall regain the lead.
3-3 - Aspinall hits a 180, but Hopp scores 138 to leave tops before completing a 14-darter to square the game once more.
3-4 - Stockport's Aspinall finishes 60 on tops to regain the edge.
4-4 - Hopp lands double 12 to hold throw and level.
4-5 - Hopp scores 150 to leave 32, but can only watch on as Aspinall finishes 90 on the bull to brilliantly move a leg away from the title.
5-5 - Hopp misses double 12 to finish 144, but returns to hit the bed at the second time of asking to send the game into a deciding leg.
6-5 - Hopp hits his first 180 of the game before landing a 140 to leave tops - but misses double top ten and five, only to see Aspinall miss double 16 to finish 101 for the title as the German returns to land double five for the victory.

GARY ANDERSON held his nerve to edge out Phil Taylor 6-5 in a thriller as he began his defence of the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals title with the narrowest of wins, as Michael van Gerwen overcame a scare against Keegan Brown.
 
The clash between the reigning World Champion and the 16-time World Champion was billed as the highlight of the opening day at the Butlins Minehead Resort, with the pair's ProTour rankings this year meaning that they clashed in round one.
 
Taylor would miss double 12 for a nine-darter during a thrilling contest and led 4-3, but Anderson won three of the final four legs as he progressed to face Daryl Gurney.
 
After trading 13-darters in the opening two legs, the duo then swapped 11-dart legs in an opening of stunning quality, with Anderson's 180s in legs one and three being followed by eight perfect darts from Taylor in the fourth as he missed double 12 to complete a perfect nine-darter.
 
Anderson then received a let-off for five missed doubles in the fifth as Taylor was off-target with two darts at double eight, allowing the Scot to return on double six.
 
Taylor then levelled with the aid of a 180 in leg six before breaking throw for the first time in the next, with Anderson wiring double 19 to check out 115 before the three-time Players Champion took out a stunning 148 finish.
 
Three missed doubles from Taylor in leg eight then allowed Anderson to level on tops before a 13-darter put the Scot a leg away from victory - but the Stoke legend levelled on double two to force a decider.
 
Anderson, though, hit two timely 180s in the final leg before landing double ten to complete a 14-darter for the win, setting up a second round meeting with Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney.
 
"The two 180s were huge for me in that final leg and pulled me out of the fire," admitted Anderson. "I'm always happy to get over the finishing line, especially against Phil. His 148 hurt but I had to stick with him.
 
"It gets harder from here - there's a jinx going about that if you beat Phil then you go out in the next game or you don't go on to win the tournament, so hopefully that's wrong!
 
"I've got Daryl next and he played well. He'll be up for it because he's here to win, just like everyone else."
 
Gurney had earlier impressed on his debut in the event, as he overcame 2012 finalist Kim Huybrechts 6-2.
 
Although Huybrechts - the number five seed - opened the game with a 12-darter, Gurney levelled with a 120 checkout, hit two 180s in an 11-darter and then double eight for a 14-dart leg for a 3-1 lead.
 
Huybrechts hit seven perfect darts to open the fifth leg, but missed three darts at double 16 to allow Gurney in on double eight, before a 72 checkout moved the Northern Irish ace 5-1 up.
 
Double eight saw Huybrechts respond, but Gurney finished double four in the next to complete a strong performance as he reached the last 16 of a PDC major for the first time.
 
"I've been practising really hard so I'm happy to get the win there," said Gurney.
 
"Every game on TV is a little bit more experience and it's looking a little bit better than it was 12 months ago. I'm trying to be more dedicated and put more hours in because the players in the PDC are ruthless."
 
Michael van Gerwen overcame a scare against World Youth Champion Keegan Brown before moving through to the second round with a 6-4 win to kick off his bid to win a fourth successive TV event.
 
The world number one and top seed was fully tested as Brown led twice during a see-saw contest, although Brown ultimately paid for missed doubles in the last two legs.
 
Double eight gave Brown the opener before van Gerwen, following two 180s, hit the same double to take the next two legs for a 2-1 lead.
 
Van Gerwen also landed a 174 in leg four, but Brown's 180 set up double 18 as he levelled before the Isle of Wight ace landed a maximum and tops or a 3-2 lead.
 
Van Gerwen responded with a maximum and double six to level, before Brown's miss allowed him in on tops to break throw for a 4-3 lead.
 
Brown hit a 180 and double six to level, but missed double 18 in the ninth leg as van Gerwen edged 5-4 up, before his missed bull allowed the Dutchman in on double four to set up a second round meeting with Vincent van der Voort.
 
"I'm really glad that I won in the end," said van Gerwen. "He finished really well at the beginning of the game and I was struggling, but there was also a lot of pressure on me and I tried to get into the game.
 
"I can do a lot better but I'm through to the next round and it's a longer format and I feel more comfortable with that."
 
Van der Voort punished missed doubles from Justin Pipe as the two-time Minehead semi-finalist lost out 6-1 in their first round battle.
 
After van der Voort took the opener, with the aid of a 180, Pipe broke back on double 16 but was unable to capitalise on a maximum of his own in the third as he missed five darts at doubles to allow the Dutchman in on tops.
 
Pipe missed one further double in the next two legs as van der Voort moved 4-1 up, with the Dutchman then finishing 157 to continue his charge before swapping 180s with his opponent in leg seven before taking out 87 for victory.
 
Number two seed Michael Smith made a strong start to his bid for glory at the Players Championship Finals with a 6-3 win over Jamie Caven on Friday afternoon.
 
Smith has won two European Tour events and a UK Open Qualifier this year in his rise into the world's top ten, and was in confident mood to secure a second round tie with Mensur Suljovic.
 
Although Caven hit back from 2-0 down to level, the Derby ace was punished for missed doubles in the next two as Smith, aided by a 92 checkout, pulled clear to lead 5-2 before holding out to take the win with six doubles from 13 attempts.
 
Austrian ace Suljovic was in strong finishing form as he defeated Mervyn King 6-1, with the Norfolk ace battling against sciatica as his bid to reach the final for a second time was ended in the opening round.
 
Suljovic, though, showed no mercy with early checkouts of 116 and 89 - for a 12-dart leg - before double ten gave him a third successive leg.
 
King hit back on double eight, but Suljovic regained his cushion on double 16 before hitting a pair of double ten checkouts to seal the win.
 
Peter Wright punished Steve Beaton's missed doubles as the number three seed moved into the second round with a classy 6-2 victory, hitting six doubles from 13 attempts in his win.
 
Beaton missed a total of five doubles in the opening four legs as Wright, aided by a 112 finish, took command, and a 76 checkout saw the Scot take a five-leg cushion.
 
Beaton found his range with a sublime 132 finish of bullseye, treble 14 and tops, and he also claimed a second leg to continue his revival, but Wright landed a 180 in the next leg before punishing a missed bull from his opponent with an 80 finish to complete the win.
 
Wright now takes on Simon Whitlock, who capitalised on 19 missed doubles from Brendan Dolan as the Australian claimed a 6-2 victory with 50 percent on his own doubles as he moved through to the last 16.
 
After winning the opener on double ten, Whitlock then stepped in to punish Dolan for nine missed doubles in leg two and a further four misses in the third as he opened up a 3-0 lead.
 
Dolan responded on double six and double eight to win two of the next three, but four more misses allowed Whitlock in on double 16 for a 5-2 lead before the former European Champion hit a 180 and finished 80 for the win.
 
James Wade won the battle of the left-handers with Mark Webster as a 6-3 victory sees him progress to face Benito van de Pas on Saturday.
 
Wade kicked off the match with a 180 before finishing double ten for a 12-darter before another pair of double ten finishes - punishing seven misses from Webster across two legs - saw him take a 3-0 lead.
 
Webster finished 55 to hit back in leg four, but Wade landed a 180 and tops for a 4-1 lead before landing seven perfect darts in a 12-dart finish to move four legs clear of his rival.
 
Webster punished missed bullseyes from his opponent to win the next two, taking out 93 for a 14-darter and double ten, as he battled back, but Wade sealed his win with a superb 102 checkout.
 
Van de Pas, meanwhile,  held off Stephen Bunting's fightback from 5-0 down before he edged through to the last 32 with a 6-4 defeat of the former Lakeside Champion.
 
The Dutch youngster was in fine finishing form as he took out 96, 90 and tops - following a 180 - to lead 3-0, and checkouts of tops and double 16 to move to the brink of victory.
 
Bunting fired his challenge with a 180 as he took leg six, before finishing 84 on the bull, double eight and double 16 to reduce the gap to 5-4 - but he crucially missed five dart at doubles to level as van de Pas stepped in with a 70 finish for victory.
 
Gerwyn Price impressed on his Players Championship Finals debut by coming from 3-1 down to defeat Jelle Klaasen 6-4.
 
After the Welsh ace finished 97 in the opening leg, Klaasen levelled with a 112 checkout and then took out a brace of double nine finishes to move two legs clear.
 
A missed bullseye in the fifth leg allowed Price to follow a 180 with tops to respond, before he took out 96, tops and 116 to move 5-3 up, and though Klaasen replied on double 18, the Welshman landed another 96 checkout to seal the win.
 
Price now faces Ian White, who edged through with a narrow 6-5 defeat of Raymond van Barneveld in their opener at Butlins Minehead, in a tight clash where there was never more than one leg between the pair.
 
After an 81 finish saw van Barneveld take the opener, White hit tops and double eight for a 2-1 lead before the Dutchman took out a superb 141 checkout to level.
 
Van Barneveld then opened the fifth leg with two 180s to set up the possibility of a nine-darter, but after missing out this time on the 141 checkout he missed five doubles before White stepped in to take out 68 and move 3-2 up.
 
The next five legs also went with throw to send the game into a decider - with van Barneveld taking out 126 in the eighth and punishing two missed match darts from his rival in the tenth - but White was first to a finish as he checked out 68 to sneak the win.
 
Dave Chisnall banished his Minehead blues with a superb 6-0 whitewash of Joe Murnan, limiting the debutant to just three darts at a double in the contest.
 
Chisnall, who had lost in the first round of the Players Championship Finals for three successive years, made a confident start with a 171 in the opening leg and a 180 in a 13-darter to move 2-0 up.
 
He added double four and tops to lead 4-0 before Murnan was unable to land double 12, six and three in the fifth leg, as Chisnall stepped in on double 19 to continue his charge before double five secured a whitewash.
 
Chisnall now plays Jamie Lewis, who produced one of the finest performances of his emerging career as he landed six 180s before edging out Robert Thornton 6-5 in an 11-leg thriller.
 
Lewis hit a maximum in each of the game's opening five legs, although a 14-darter gave Thornton an early 2-1 lead before the Welsh thrower penalised a miss from his opponent in the fourth and took out 101 to move ahead at 3-2.
 
Thornton took out a superb 138 checkout to level, before Lewis followed another maximum with double 16 to regain the edge with a 4-3 cushion.
 
Timely 180s from the Scot helped him to win the next two to regain the edge at 5-4, but a miss at double 16 for a 112 finish in leg ten allowed Lewis to finish 96 to force a decider which the youngster took on double 12.
 
Adrian Lewis held off John Henderson's gallant challenge to move through to a second round clash with Alan Norris courtesy of a 6-3 comeback triumph.
 
After Lewis made the stronger start, taking out double four and 121, on the bull, to win the opening two legs, the Scot hit back with two double top checkouts to level before following his second 180 with a superb 137 checkout to lead 3-2.
 
Lewis, though, hit back with a 104 checkout and then hit a 180 and double three to regain the edge at 4-3 before winning a key eighth leg - after Henderson missed a single two to leave tops - with a 66 finish to move clear and double 16 for the win.
 
Norris enjoyed a winning debut in the Players Championship Finals as he defeated Terry Jenkins 6-3, pulling clear in the second half of the game for victory.
 
After Norris took the opening leg on double four, Jenkins landed a 180 before levelling in the second after four misses from his rival, before moving 2-1 up after a further three missed doubles in the next leg.
 
Jenkins then missed his chance to open up a two-leg lead as Norris levelled before the Somerset-born thrower took out 71 and 86 for a 4-2 lead.
 
Norris then landed two 180s in leg seven, only to miss four darts at doubles as Jenkins stepped in, but the nine-time major finalist replied with an 82 finish for a 5-2 lead before tops secured his second round place.
 
Saturday's second round at the Butlins Minehead Resort is followed on Sunday by the quarter-finals in the afternoon session and the semi-finals and final in the evening session.
 
Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Friday November 27
Afternoon Session
First Round
Justin Pipe (16) 1-6 Vincent van der Voort (17)
Terry Jenkins (11) 3-6 Alan Norris (22)
Jelle Klaasen (10) 4-6 Gerwyn Price (23)
Benito van de Pas (13) 6-4 Stephen Bunting (20)
Mensur Suljovic (15) 6-1 Mervyn King (18)
Brendan Dolan (14) 2-6 Simon Whitlock (19)
Michael Smith (2) 6-3 Jamie Caven (31)
Kim Huybrechts (5) 2-6 Daryl Gurney (28)
 
Evening Session
First Round
Dave Chisnall (8) 6-0 Joe Murnan (25)
James Wade (4) 6-3 Mark Webster (29)
Adrian Lewis (6) 6-3 John Henderson (27)
Robert Thornton (9) 5-6 Jamie Lewis (24)
Michael van Gerwen (1) 6-4 Keegan Brown (32)
Gary Anderson (12) 6-5 Phil Taylor (21)
Ian White (7) 6-5 Raymond van Barneveld (26)
Peter Wright (3) 6-2 Steve Beaton (30)
 
Saturday November 28
Second Round
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Michael Smith v Mensur Suljovic
Adrian Lewis v Alan Norris
James Wade v Benito van de Pas
Dave Chisnall v Jamie Lewis
 
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Ian White v Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright v Simon Whitlock
Daryl Gurney v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Vincent van der Voort
All games are the best of 19 legs
 
Titanbet.co.uk Outright Odds
5/4 Michael van Gerwen
9/2 Gary Anderson
7/1 Adrian Lewis, Peter Wright
14/1 Michael Smith
16/1 James Wade, Ian White
20/1 Dave Chisnall
25/1 Mensur Suljovic
40/1 Simon Whitlock
50/1 Gerwyn Price, Alan Norris
125/1 Vincent van der Voort, Benito van de Pas
150/1 Jamie Lewis, Daryl Gurney
Odds correct following First Round, and subject to fluctuation. For latest odds, visit www.titanbet.co.uk.

​ANDERSON'S "NIGHTMARE" DRAW FOR CASH CONVERTERS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS DEFENCE
 
GARY ANDERSON begins his defence of the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals title on Friday night against Phil Taylor at the Butlins Minehead Resort - as the Scot bids to retain the title this weekend.
 
The £300,000 tournament, televised live on ITV4, sees the year's top 32 players from the PDC's ProTour Order of Merit do battle from November 27-29.
 
With prize money based on performances in European Tour events, UK Open Qualifiers and Players Championship tournaments, Anderson's seeding of 12 and Taylor's 21st seeding means that they meet in the opening round.
 
Anderson, though, defeated 16-time World Champion Taylor in the quarter-finals as he went all the way to victory in the 2014 Players Championship Finals, and is aiming to repeat that win when the pair meet in Friday's opener in Minehead.
 
"It's a short format and that might work in my favour, or it might work against me, but I'm definitely looking forward to it," said the Scot, who is now based in Somerset.
 
"Drawing Phil in the first round of any tournament is a nightmare, it's definitely not the kind of game you want to play! I'll be giving it my all and we'll see how it goes.
 
"If you want to win any tournament you've got to beat the players in front of you, whether it's Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis or anybody, so I've just got to get my head down and get on with it."
 
Anderson's win in last year's Players Championship Finals was followed by his triumphs in the World Championship and Premier League, and he added: "It's a good venue and I've got good memories.
 
"When I turned up at Minehead last year, I'd played so well during the year but it was a terrible draw for me. It was really hard, I had Christian Kist in the first game, Stephen Bunting, Phil Taylor, Vincent van der Voort and Adrian Lewis in the final.
 
"From the moment I played Christian, it went great and I played well during the whole tournament, and it sparked off a little run for me. Hopefully this weekend can do the same again."
 
World number one Michael van Gerwen is aiming to continue his amazing winning run by claiming a fourth straight televised title during November.
 
The Dutchman has already won the European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and World Series of Darts Finals this month, and is the 7/4 tournament favourite with official betting partner Titanbet.co.uk to claim the £65,000 title on Sunday night.
 
Van Gerwen opens his challenge against Keegan Brown on Friday night, and said: "I'm full of confidence, I'm feeling great and I hope I can do some more damage this weekend.
 
"I'm playing probably the best darts of my life and I hope I can keep it going."
 
The £300,000 event sees former World Youth Champion seeded second following his two European Tour victories this year, and he faces Jamie Caven in their first round clash.
 
Number three seed Peter Wright plays Steve Beaton, James Wade is up against Wales' Mark Webster and 2012 runner-up Kim Huybrechts faces Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney.
 
Adrian Lewis, last year's beaten finalist, takes on Scotland's John Henderson, Ian White meets Raymond van Barneveld, Dave Chisnall faces debutant Joe Murnan and World Grand Prix winner Robert Thornton is up against Jamie Lewis.
 
The tournament kicks off as former Minehead semi-finalists Justin Pipe and Vincent van der Voort clash, before Terry Jenkins plays debutant Alan Norris.
 
Dutch ace Jelle Klaasen takes on Wales' Gerwyn Price before youngster Benito van de Pas meets 2010 finalist Mervyn King and Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan faces top Australian Simon Whitlock.
 
The tournament continues on Saturday with the second round across two sessions, before Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals are followed in the evening session by the semi-finals and final.
 
Sunday night also sees the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship final take place between German teenager Max Hopp and Stockport's Nathan Aspinall, with the winner scooping a £10,000 first prize to succeed Keegan Brown as champion.
 
Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Friday November 27
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
First Round
Justin Pipe (16) v Vincent van der Voort (17)
Terry Jenkins (11) v Alan Norris (22)
Jelle Klaasen (10) v Gerwyn Price (23)
Benito van de Pas (13) v Stephen Bunting (20)
Mensur Suljovic (15) v Mervyn King (18)
Brendan Dolan (14) v Simon Whitlock (19)
Michael Smith (2) v Jamie Caven (31)
Kim Huybrechts (5) v Daryl Gurney (28)
 
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
First Round
Dave Chisnall (8) v Joe Murnan (25)
James Wade (4) v Mark Webster (29)
Adrian Lewis (6) v John Henderson (27)
Robert Thornton (9) v Jamie Lewis (24)
Michael van Gerwen (1) v Keegan Brown (32)
Gary Anderson (12) v Phil Taylor (21)
Ian White (7) v Raymond van Barneveld (26)
Peter Wright (3) v Steve Beaton (30)
 
Saturday November 28
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Second Round
Smith/Caven v Suljovic/King
Lewis/Henderson v Jenkins/Norris
Wade/Webster v van de Pas/Bunting
Chisnall/Murnan v Thornton/Lewis
 
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Second Round
White/van Barneveld v Klaasen/Price
Wright/Beaton v Dolan/Whitlock
Huybrechts/Gurney v Anderson/Taylor
van Gerwen/Brown v Pipe/van der Voort
 
Sunday November 29
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Quarter-Finals
Smith/Caven/Suljovic/King v White/van Barneveld/Klaasen/Price
Lewis/Henderson/Jenkins/Norris v Wright/Beaton/Dolan/Whitlock
van Gerwen/Brown/Pipe/van der Voort v Chisnall/Murnan/Thornton/Lewis
Huybrechts/Gurney/Anderson/Taylor v Wade/Webster/van de Pas/Bunting
 
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Semi-Finals
Final
 
PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final
Max Hopp v Nathan Aspinall
Best of 11 legs
To be played between semi-finals and final of main event
 
Format
First Round                         Best of 11 legs
Second Round                   Best of 19 legs
Quarter-Finals                   Best of 19 legs
Semi-Finals                         Best of 21 legs
Final                                       Best of 21 legs
There is no tie-break in any game
 
Prize Fund
Winner                                 £65,000
Runner-Up                         £35,000
Semi-Finalists                    £17,000
Quarter-Finalists              £11,500
Second Round Losers     £7,000
First Round Losers           £4,000
Total                                      £300,000
In addition, should any player achieve a nine-dart finish, a £10,000 bonus is on offer. Should more than one player achieve a nine-dart finish, the prize would be shared on a pro-rata basis.
 
Titanbet.co.uk Outright Odds
7/4 Michael van Gerwen
11/2 Phil Taylor
8/1 Gary Anderson
9/1 Adrian Lewis
10/1 Peter Wright
20/1 Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
25/1 James Wade
28/1 Dave Chisnall, Ian White
40/1 Robert Thornton, Jelle Klaasen
50/1 Kim Huybrechts, Mensur Suljovic, Terry Jenkins, Simon Whitlock
66/1 Mervyn King
80/1 Stephen Bunting, Alan Norris, Brendan Dolan
100/1 Vincent van der Voort, Jamie Caven, Gerwyn Price
125/1 Mark Webster
150/1 Benito van de Pas, John Henderson, Steve Beaton
200/1 Keegan Brown, Justin Pipe
300/1 Jamie Lewis, Daryl Gurney
500/1 Joe Murnan
 
Titanbet.co.uk First Round Match Odds
Justin Pipe 11/10 Vincent van der Voort 8/11
Terry Jenkins 4/6 Alan Norris 6/5
Jelle Klaasen 8/15 Gerwyn Price 6/4
Benito van de Pas 11/8 Stephen Bunting 4/7
Mensur Suljovic 4/6 Mervyn King 6/5
Brendan Dolan 6/5 Simon Whitlock 4/6
Michael Smith 4/9 Jamie Caven 7/4
Kim Huybrechts 4/11 Daryl Gurney 21/10
Dave Chisnall 1/4 Joe Murnan 3/1
James Wade 8/15 Mark Webster 6/4
Adrian Lewis 1/4 John Henderson 3/1
Robert Thornton 4/11 Jamie Lewis 21/10
Michael van Gerwen 1/10 Keegan Brown 6/1
Gary Anderson 6/5 Phil Taylor 4/6
Ian White 6/5 Raymond van Barneveld 4/6
Peter Wright 2/9 Steve Beaton 10/3

THE schedule of play for the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals has been confirmed ahead of the £300,000 tournament, which will be held at the Butlins Minehead Resort from November 27-29.

The three-day event, televised live on ITV4, sees the leading 32 players from this year's PDC ProTour Order of Merit - comprised of prize money won in UK Open Qualifiers, Players Championships and European Tour events - battling for the £65,000 first prize.

Reigning champion Gary Anderson will begin his defence of the title with a crunch clash against three-time winner Phil Taylor on Friday evening, with the first round split across two sessions on the opening day.

Two former semi-finalists, Justin Pipe and Vincent van der Voort, will kick off the action on Friday afternoon before Players Championship Finals debutants Alan Norris and Gerwyn Price play Terry Jenkins and Jelle Klaasen.

Dutch youngster Benito van de Pas then takes on Stephen Bunting, Austria's Mensur Suljovic plays Mervyn King and Norther Irish star Brendan Dolan faces top Australian Simon Whitlock.

Number two seed Michael Smith, a two-time European Tour winner this year, then plays Jamie Caven before former Players Championship Finals runner-up Kim Huybrechts rounds off the afternoon session against Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney.

Friday's evening session kicks off as Dave Chisnall faces debutant Joe Murnan - who won his first Players Championship this year - while left-handers James Wade and Mark Webster then clash.

2014 Players Championship Finals runner-up Adrian Lewis takes on Scotland's John Henderson before World Grand Prix champion Robert Thornton comes up agaisnt Jamie Lewis.

Top seed Michael van Gerwen, who dominated this year's ProTour rankings and won the 2013 Players Championship Finals, plays World Youth Champion Keegan Brown before Anderson kicks off his title defence against Taylor.

Ian White then plays Holland's Raymond van Barneveld before Peter Wright's clash with Steve Beaton rounds off the opening day.

The second round is split across two sessions on Saturday, with the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon and the semi-finals and final to follow on Sunday evening alongside the final of the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship between Max Hopp and Nathan Aspinall.

Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Friday November 27
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
First Round
Justin Pipe (16) v Vincent van der Voort (17)
Terry Jenkins (11) v Alan Norris (22)
Jelle Klaasen (10) v Gerwyn Price (23)
Benito van de Pas (13) v Stephen Bunting (20)
Mensur Suljovic (15) v Mervyn King (18)
Brendan Dolan (14) v Simon Whitlock (19)
Michael Smith (2) v Jamie Caven (31)
Kim Huybrechts (5) v Daryl Gurney (28)

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
First Round
Dave Chisnall (8) v Joe Murnan (25)
James Wade (4) v Mark Webster (29)
Adrian Lewis (6) v John Henderson (27)
Robert Thornton (9) v Jamie Lewis (24)
Michael van Gerwen (1) v Keegan Brown (32)
Gary Anderson (12) v Phil Taylor (21)
Ian White (7) v Raymond van Barneveld (26)
Peter Wright (3) v Steve Beaton (30)

Saturday November 28
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Second Round
Smith/Caven v Suljovic/King
Lewis/Henderson v Jenkins/Norris
Wade/Webster v van de Pas/Bunting
Chisnall/Murnan v Thornton/Lewis

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Second Round
White/van Barneveld v Klaasen/Price
Wright/Beaton v Dolan/Whitlock
Huybrechts/Gurney v Anderson/Taylor
van Gerwen/Brown v Pipe/van der Voort

Sunday November 29
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Quarter-Finals
Smith/Caven/Suljovic/King v White/van Barneveld/Klaasen/Price
Lewis/Henderson/Jenkins/Norris v Wright/Beaton/Dolan/Whitlock
van Gerwen/Brown/Pipe/van der Voort v Chisnall/Murnan/Thornton/Lewis
Huybrechts/Gurney/Anderson/Taylor v Wade/Webster/van de Pas/Bunting

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Semi-Finals
Final

PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship Final
Max Hopp v Nathan Aspinall
Best of 11 legs
To be played between semi-finals and final of main event on Sunday evening.

Format
First Round - Best of 11 legs
Second Round - Best of 19 legs
Quarter-Finals - Best of 19 legs
Semi-Finals - Best of 21 legs
Final - Best of 21 legs
There is no tie-break in any game.

Prize Fund
Winner £65,000
Runner-Up £35,000
Semi-Finalists £17,000
Quarter-Finalists £11,500
Second Round Losers £7,000
First Round Losers £4,000
Total £300,000
​

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN'S incredible run of form continued as he claimed a third successive televised title at the inaugural Unibet World Series of Darts Finals in Glasgow on Sunday night, defeating Peter Wright 11-10 in a superb final.
 
World number one van Gerwen has won the European Championship and Grand Slam of Darts titles this month, and claimed the £30,000 first prize at the Braehead Arena with some stunning darts.
 
Van Gerwen, the winner of May's Dubai Darts Masters in the first of five international World Series events this year, was outstanding in his defeats of Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis to reach the final.
 
He then held off Wright's fightback from 4-0 down, as the Scot moved 5-4 up and also led 10-9 before the Dutchman produced a stunning 11-darter in the deciding leg.
 
"It feels amazing to also win this tournament and it's a good feeling," admitted van Gerwen, who took home a £30,000 first prize. "I had to play really well and I think this was a fantastic final, one of the best.
 
"Peter's a fantastic player and sooner or later he'll win a TV tournament, but I played well when I had to, especially at the end.
 
"The 129 was better than the 170 finish, but then the 180 afterwards was even better again because Peter put the pressure on me with a 140 at the start of the last leg, and I can see how strong I am when I need to be.
 
"The level at the moment is phenomenal and I'm really glad to be a part of that. I'm feeling great and I'm probably playing the best darts of my life.
 
"I want to win everything but it was a pleasure to play in this event and I think I deserved to win this trophy."
 
Van Gerwen made a storming start to the final, winning the opening four legs without reply, twice punishing Wright for missed doubles and landing back-to-back 14-darters.
 
Wright hit back with a 14-dart leg of his own in the fifth before a superb 121 bull finish was followed by a second successive 12-darter, and he added another 180 to level and double eight to amazingly move 5-4 up.
 
Van Gerwen stopped him in his tracks with a sensational 170 checkout, but Wright held throw to win two of the next three before the Dutchman hit 180s in successive legs to move 8-7 up.
 
Wright, though, again responded as he took out a 116 checkout to break and level and a 13-darter to move 9-8 up, and after van Gerwen took the 18th with another 12-dart finish the Scot posted double nine to move a leg away from his first televised title.
 
Wright then hit a 180 to leave 90 in the 20th leg, only to see van Gerwen produce a killer 129 checkout on the bull to force a decider.
 
Wright's two 140s were bettered by a 180 from van Gerwen as he left 50 after nine darts, and when the home favourite was unable to take out 121, the Dutchman stepped in to land double 16 for an 11-darter and glory.
 
Wright has previously lost to van Gerwen in the World Championship, Dubai Darts Masters and UK Open finals, and admitted: "It was a good final and I really enjoyed it - and I'm getting closer.
 
"The 129 was a fantastic shot and Michael played brilliantly in the last leg, and that's why he's number one in the world.
 
"Michael's a different class above everyone else at the moment, and for me to get that close, having been using these darts for a few weeks, I'm pretty happy and it won't be long before it's my turn.
 
"I'm pushing Michael and it was good to give him a game because the last time we played I didn't, and there's more to come from me. The support was incredible and I can only thank the fans for their support."
 
Wright had earlier defeated 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor 11-9 in another thrilling contest, taking a 6-3 lead in mid-game and holding off the Stoke legend's fightback to close out the win.
 
Van Gerwen had been unstoppable in his 11-5 semi-final win over Adrian Lewis, hitting a 108 average and nine 180s in a stunning display.
 
Lewis - August's Auckland Darts Masters champion - averaged over 100 himself after averaging 105 in his quarter-final win over Terry Jenkins, and admitted: "I lost to the best player in the world at the minute and he was just too good tonight.
 
"I missed a few doubles early on and he got ahead of me, but I really enjoyed the tournament and it's been another learning curve for me. I'm putting a lot of work in at the moment and the results will start to come."
 
Unibet World Series of Darts Finals
Sunday November 22
Afternoon Session
Quarter-Finals
James Wade 6-10 Peter Wright
Phil Taylor 10-3 Stephen Bunting
Adrian Lewis 10-6 Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld 8-10 Michael van Gerwen
Best of 19 legs
 
Evening Session
Semi-Finals
Phil Taylor 9-11 Peter Wright
Adrian Lewis 5-11 Michael van Gerwen
Best of 21 legs
 
Final
Peter Wright 10-11 Michael van Gerwen
Best of 21 legs
 
QUARTER-FINALS ROUND-UP
PHIL TAYLOR, Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis produced outstanding displays to progress to the semi-finals of the Unibet World Series of Darts Finals on Sunday afternoon.
 
Taylor, who won three of the international World Series events in Japan, Perth and Sydney earlier in 2015, continued his challenge to claim the £30,000 first prize in Glasgow with a clinical 10-3 quarter-final win over Stephen Bunting.
 
Taylor took the opening five legs without reply and also led 7-1 as a 121 checkout saw him pull clear, and though Bunting hit a 128 bullseye finish in a brief rally, the 16-time World Champion proved too strong.
 
Taylor now faces Peter Wright in the semi-finals as the tournament's decisive final session kicks off on Sunday evening, and is aiming to go all the way to another victory at the Braehead Arena.
 
"Going 5-0 up was important but Stephen didn't give up," said Taylor. "He's a good player and a good lad and he's getting back to his best.
 
"It's a great challenge tonight and I'd love to win this title."
 
Wright also averaged over 100 as he defeated James Wade 10-6 in their last eight contest, although the Scottish-born ace did much of the damage as he led 5-1 and 9-3.
 
Wade checked out 161, 96 and tops to win three legs to reply, but Wright - June's Japan Darts Masters runner-up - followed an eighth 180 with a 74 checkout as he secured his last four spot.
 
"I've played James a lot this year and he's playing some fantastic darts, but he missed some doubles today and I took advantage of it," said Wright.
 
"He was coming back and I know how he can reel off the legs, so I was happy to get over the winning line."
 
World number one Michael van Gerwen's bid to win a third successive televised tournament saw him come from 8-6 down to win 10-8 in a high-quality contest with Dutch rival Raymond van Barneveld.
 
Van Gerwen took out finishes of 146 and 126 as he shared the opening eight legs, before van Barneveld's 127 bull checkout helped him to break throw as he moved 7-4 up.
 
Van Gerwen's ten-dart finish was followed by another bullseye from van Barneveld as he took out 81 to lead 8-6, only for van Gerwen to turn the game on its head with legs of 13 and 12 darts before punishing single misses from his rival in the next two to seal victory with a 106.42 average.
 
"Raymond played well but I felt more comfortable as the game went on and I'm really happy with how I played," said van Gerwen, who won the Dubai Darts Masters title in May.
 
"The 106 average was massive but I needed to do that and I hope I can carry this on in the semi-finals and final."
 
Lewis, meanwhile, was back to his brilliant best as he averaged over 105 in a 10-6 win over Terry Jenkins, who had knocked out World Champion Gary Anderson on Saturday and landed eight 180s in another strong display.
 
Lewis, though, took six legs from seven as he turned an early 2-1 deficit into a 7-3 lead, before holding off Jenkins' rally to close out the win and progress to a clash with van Gerwen.
 
"Terry was hitting 180s pretty much every time I looked up and he was at his best there, so I'm happy to get over the line," said Lewis.
 
"I finished number two in the World Series rankings and I've done half of the job, now it's time to finish it off tonight."
 
MATCH INFORMATION
QUARTER-FINALS
James Wade v Peter Wright
1-0 - Wright hits the game's first 180, but misses the bull to finish 121 to allow Wade in, and the left-hander takes out a two-dart 100 checkout.
1-1 - Wright finishes 80 on tops to level matters.
1-2 - Wade fires in a 177 and Wright posts a 180, and when the left-hander misses two darts at tops, the colourful Scot steps in to finish 79 in two darts on double 11 for a break of throw.
1-3 - Wright lands another 180, and when Wade misses double 12 to finish 141 the Japan Darts Masters runner-up takes out double ten.
1-4 - Wade hits his first 180, but double 16 sees Wright win a fourth straight leg.
1-5 - Wright opens with a 180 before finishing double 16 for a 14-darter to move four legs clear.
2-5 - Wright misses two darts at double 18, allowing Wade in on double ten to hit back.
2-6 - Wright takes out 52 on double 16 to restore his lead.
3-6 - Double 12 sees Wade respond once more.
3-7 - Wade open with a 180, but misses six darts at double top, ten and five to allow Wright in on double ten to regain his cushion.
3-8 - Wright takes out a fine 121 checkout on double 18.
3-9 - Wright hits a fifth 180 of the game before double eight moves him a leg away from the semi-finals.
4-9 - Both players land 180s before Wade takes out a brilliant 161 checkout to keep his challenge alive.
5-9 - Wade's revival continues as he takes out 96.
6-9 - Wright hits an eighth 180, but misses two match darts at double 12 as Wade lands tops to take a third successive leg.
6-10 - Wright finishes 74 on double 16 to seal his semi-final spot.
 
Phil Taylor v Stephen Bunting
1-0 - Bunting misses double 12 for a 144 finish, and Taylor takes out tops to break throw immediately.
2-0 - Bunting opens with a 180, but double 12 sees Taylor move two legs up.
3-0 - Taylor lands a maximum and double ten to claim another break.
4-0 - Bunting scores 180 and 171 but misses three darts at doubles, allowing Taylor in on double four to claim a fourth straight leg.
5-0 - Taylor sets up a possible nine-darter with two 180s, and though he is unable to complete a perfect leg he returns to post double 16 for a 12-darter to claim a fifth straight leg.
5-1 - Bunting matches Taylor's six perfect darts with two maximums, before winning the leg on double 16 to claim his first leg of the game.
6-1 - Taylor breaks throw in reply by hitting double 16.
7-1 - Taylor takes out 121 on double eight to move six legs clear.
7-2 - Bunting finishes 128 on the bull to reply superbly.
8-2 - Taylor completes a 13-darter on double 16, moving two legs away from the semi-finals.
8-3 - Bunting hits back by finishing double six.
9-3 - Double 16 sees Taylor move a leg away from the win.
10-3 - Bunting hits his fifth 180 of the gane, but misses double 16 and Taylor steps in to finish 103 as he claims the win, ending the game with a 104.18 average and ten doubles from 14 attempts.
 
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins
0-1 - Jenkins opens with a 180 and finishes 97 with a single 19, double 19, double top combination.
1-1 - Jenkins adds another maximum, but Lewis finishes double 16 to level.
1-2 - Double four sees Jenkins edge back ahead.
2-2 - Lewis opens with a 180 before finishing double six for a 14-darter.
3-2 - Jenkins fires in a 180, but Lewis takes out 100 on tops for a 12-darter to claim the first break of throw and move ahead.
4-2 - Tops sees Lewis move two legs clear.
4-3 - Both players land 180s before Jenkins responds by finishing 62 on double 16 to win his first leg in four.
5-3 - The pair trade 180s once more, and Lewis lands double two to move halfway to victory.
6-3 - Jenkins fires in his sixth 180 of the game, but missed doubles allow Lewis in on tops to move three legs clear.
7-3 - Lewis hits a fourth maximum before another double top finish sees him extend his cushion.
7-4 - Jenkins opens with 180 and 140 before hitting tops to respond.
8-4 - Lewis finishes double 16 to restore a four-leg lead.
9-4 - Lewis fires in a 180 in an 11-darter as tops moves him a leg away from the win.
9-5 - Once again the players both hit a 180 in the leg before Jenkins finishes 76 in the bull to keep his hopes alive.
9-6 - Jenkins takes out 57 on tops to continue his fightback.
10-6 - Lewis hits his seventh 180 before finishing 56 on tops to seal a superb victory, ending with a 105.19 average.
 
Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen
1-0 - van Gerwen misses double seven for a break of throw, and van Barneveld takes out double eight for the opening leg.
1-1 - van Gerwen takes out a superb 146 finish on double 13 to level.
1-2 - The world number one opens with a 180 before finishing double 16 for a 14-dart leg to break throw.
2-2 - van Barneveld lands a 180 before finishing 62 on double 16 to break back.
3-2 - van Barneveld initially misses tops for a 142 finish before returning on double ten to regain the lead.
3-3 - van Gerwen finishes 65 on tops to level.
4-3 - van Barneveld posts a 180 and double eight to edge back in front.
4-4 - A 180 and a 126 checkout see van Gerwen hit back once more.
5-4 - van Gerwen hits a 180 to leave 86, but misses two darts at doubles as van Barneveld returns on double 16 to hold throw.
6-4 - van Gerwen fires in a 174 score, but van Barneveld finishes a superb 127 on the bull for a break of throw to move two legs clear.
7-4 - Both players land 180s before double ten moves van Barneveld three legs clear.
7-5 - The pair each hit maximums for a second successive leg, with van Barneveld wiring double 18 to finish 76 as van Gerwen takes out double 16 to hit back.
7-6 - van Gerwen hits a 180 and adds a 168 before landing double eight for a superb ten-darter to break throw.
8-6 - van Gerwen fires in a 171 score, but van Barneveld hits the bull to take out 81 as he breaks back to regain some breathing space.
8-7 - van Gerwen opens with 180 and 140 before finishing double 16 for a 13-darter.
8-8 - van Gerwen finishes 116 on double 18 for a 12-darter to level the contest.
8-9 - van Barneveld misses tops for a 142 checkout, and van Gerwen takes out 57 on tops to break throw, win his third straight leg and move a leg away from victory.
8-10 - van Barneveld opens up with 140 and 180, but misses double eight to finish 96, and van Gerwen hits the same bed to complete a brilliant victory, averaging 106.
 
SEMI-FINALS
Phil Taylor v Peter Wright
0-1 - Double six gives Wright the opening leg with a break of throw.
0-2 - Wright doubles his lead by taking out 76 on double eight.
1-2 - Taylor lands a 180 and double 16 to win his first leg.
1-3 - Taylor opens with a 180, but misses four darts at doubles to allow Wright back in on double six.
2-3 - Taylor kicks off with a 177 score before punishing Wright's missed bullseye by landing double eight.
2-4 - Taylor is unable to take out 91 to punish Wright's initial error on a 106 finish, as the Scottish-born ace returns on double 16.
3-4 - Taylor powers in a second 177 of the game before hitting double 16 to respond.
3-5 - Wright fires in a 180 before hitting double eight to restore his lead.
3-6 - Taylor is unable to capitalise on Wright's missed bull as the colourful ace returns on double eight to break throw.
4-6 - Taylor fires in a 171 score to leave 36, and when Wright misses two darts at double eight to create a four-leg gap, the Stoke star steps in on double 18 to break back.
5-6 - Wright hits a 180, but Taylor lands double 16 as he cuts the gap to just one leg.
5-7 - Double ten sees Wright edge away.
6-7 - Taylor hits two 180s in successive as Wright also hits a maximum, before the Englishman takes out 100 on tops for an 11-darter.
6-8 - Taylor this time opens with a 177 before Wright lands a 180, and when the 16-time World Champion misses two darts at tops for another 100 checkout, Wright finishes 116 on tops to regain his lead.
7-8 - Wright kicks off with a 180 but is unable to break throw as Taylor finishes double four.
7-9 - Double top sees Wright move two legs away from victory.
8-9 - Taylor finishes 80 on double ten to stay in touch once more.
8-10 - Wright finishes 56 on tops to move a leg away from the final.
9-10 - Both players hit 180s to leave finishes, but Wright misses two darts at double 12 for the win before Taylor steps in on tops to save the match.
9-11 - Taylor is unable to finish 109 to force a deciding leg, and Wright lands tops to move into the Unibet World Series of Darts Final.
 
Adrian Lewis v Michael van Gerwen
0-1 - Lewis fires in an early 174 before missing three darts at doubles, allowing van Gerwen in on double 19 to claim the opener.
0-2 - van Gerwen takes out 74 on tops to double his lead.
0-3 - van Gerwen fires in two 180s in the leg before punishing Lewis for missing the bull by taking out double ten for an 11-darter.
1-3 - Lewis takes out 56 on tops to win his first leg.
1-4 - van Gerwen lands another maximum before finishing 130 on double five to restore his three-leg lead.
1-5 - Tops sees van Gerwen move four legs clear.
2-5 - van Gerwen misses the bull to finish 124, and Lewis takes out 74 on double 16 to hit back.
2-6 - The world number one opens with a 180 before finishing 101 on double 16.
2-7 - van Gerwen's superb finishing continues with a bullseye, double top combination.
2-8 - van Gerwen lands a 180 and tops as he pulls six legs clear of his opponent.
3-8 - van Gerwen misses tops and Lewis takes out 80 to respond with his third leg.
3-9 - van Gerwen's sixth 180 sets up an 84 finish as he moves two legs away from the final.
4-9 - Both players land 180s before Lewis finishes 61 on tops to win a fourth leg of the game.
5-9 - Lewis breaks throw as both players land 180s before van Gerwen's missed bull allows his rival in to hit tops.
5-10 - Lewis misses double five to finish 85, and van Gerwen takes out 60 on tops as he moves to the brink of victory.
5-11 - van Gerwen opens with his ninth 180 before landing double ten to secure an outstanding win.
 
FINAL
Peter Wright v Michael van Gerwen
0-1 - van Gerwen hits the final's first 180 before both players initially miss double 12 and six, allowing the Dutchman back in on double three to break throw immediately.
0-2 - The world number one hits another maximum before finishing 68 on double two to move two legs up.
0-3 - van Gerwen takes out 70 on double eight with a two-dart combination to break throw again.
0-4 - Wright opens with a 180 but misses top for a 116 finish, and van Gerwen takes out 78 to continue his brilliant start.
1-4 - Wright claims his first leg of the game by finishing 32.
2-4 - van Gerwen opens with a maximum but misses two darts at double 16 and eight, and Wright steps in with a brilliant 121 bull finish for a 12-darter.
3-4 - Wright's revival continues as he lands a 180 and an 86 finish to claim a third straight leg.
4-4 - Wright levels by hitting another 180 and double 12.
5-4 - Wright misses the bull to finish 170, but returns to take out double eight to amazingly move in front with a fifth successive leg.
5-5 - van Gerwen hits back brilliantly by checking out 170.
6-5 - Wright opens with a 180 before finishing tops to move back ahead.
6-6 - Wright misses three darts at double across two visits to punish van Gerwen's five misses, as the Dutchman returns on double one to level.
7-6 - van Gerwen misses double 16 to finish 152, and Wright hits the same bed to edge back ahead.
7-7 - van Gerwen lands a 180 before missing a dart at a double, but Wright wires double 12 for a 101 finish to allow the Dutchman back on double ten.
7-8 - van Gerwen wrestles back the lead with a break of throw, hitting another 180 before landing tops.
8-8 - Wright hits back immediately by finishing 116 on tops to break and level.
9-8 - Double 16 sees Wright regain the lead.
9-9 - van Gerwen hits a 180 before finishing 62 on double 16 to square the match - effectively creating a best-of-three leg tie.
10-9 - van Gerwen misses two darts at double 14 to take out 85, and Wright finishes a third-dart double nine as he moves to the brink of his first televised title.
10-10 - Wright hits a 180 to leave 90, but can only watch on as van Gerwen finishes 129 on the bull to force a deciding leg for the title.
10-11 - Wright kicks off with two 140s and van Gerwen lands a 180, with Wright unable to finish 121 before van Gerwen steps in to finish 50 for an 11-darter to claim the victory.

SCOTTISH hero Gary Anderson was stunned by Terry Jenkins' fightback at the Unibet World Series of Darts Finals in Glasgow last night as he crashed out at the Braehead Arena.
 
World Champion Anderson was bidding to take the £30,000 title in the 24-player tournament and delight his home support in Scotland, and began in style by racing into a 3-0 lead against Jenkins.
 
However, the nine-time major finalist hit 180s in four straight legs as he edged ahead and took out 121 on the bull for a 5-4 lead.
 
Anderson took out 100 to force a deciding leg, but wasted three match darts as Jenkins escaped from four misses of his own to land double five for the win, silencing the home support.
 
Jenkins had also defeated Northumberland's Chris Dobey 6-5 earlier in the day, surviving three missed match darts from the TV debutant, but will now compete for the title in Sunday's final day.
 
"It was tough because you're playing against Gary and the crowd, but he's the local bloke and he deserved the support," said Jenkins.
 
"It's hard and going 3-0 down didn't help me, but I knew if I could start scoring a bit better than it would make Gary try harder and that's how it proved.
 
"I put four good legs together and he started struggling, but it was a massive relief to see the winning double go in."
 
Jenkins will now play Adrian Lewis, August's Auckland Darts Masters champion who defeated World Youth Champion Keegan Brown 6-2.
 
Brown had hit four ton-plus checkouts in his first round win over Ian White and also took out 132 and 85 on the bull, but was no match for Lewis as the Stoke ace progressed.
 
World number one Michael van Gerwen's bid to win a third straight TV tournament began with a 6-1 defeat of Scotland's Robert Thornton, the Ayrshire ace who overcame Devon Petersen in round one.
 
Thornton, though, never recovered from seeing van Gerwen, aided by two 180s and a 177 score, race into a 3-0 lead as the Dutchman sealed victory with a 101 average.
 
"I'm very happy with this win," said van Gerwen. "I knew what to expect playing Robert in Scotland and it was a good match.
 
"This has set up for the tournament and I can't wait for Sunday now. Raymond's always a tough opponent and after playing him so many times on the World Series this year it's fitting that we're playing again tomorrow."
 
Van Gerwen's quarter-final opponent will be Dutch rival Raymond van Barneveld, who defied a 164 finish from Mark Webster to claim a 6-2 win from their second round game.
 
Phil Taylor, the top seed following three World Series tournament wins in Japan, Perth and Sydney this year, began his challenge to claim the title by sweeping aside Dave Chisnall 6-1.
 
Chisnall had been in superb form to defeat Kyle Anderson in Saturday afternoon's first round, but never pressured Taylor as the 16-time World Champion cruised through to the last eight.
 
"My finishing was good but I've got to improve my scoring a bit on Sunday if I'm going to get the job done so I'll knuckle down against Stephen," said Taylor.
 
"It's an exciting event and I'd love to win, but it's going to be a tough day."
 
Former Sydney Darts Masters finalist Stephen Bunting defied a bout of illness as he came from 4-2 down to defeat Austria's Rowby-John Rodriguez 6-4 and set up a quarter-final against Taylor.
 
"It was a really nervy game and I'm just glad to get through it because I didn't sleep much last night and I've not been well for a few days," said Bunting.
 
"I'll need to bring my A-game on Sunday if I'm going to win and hopefully I'll have a better preparation."
 
Peter Wright is aiming to claim his first TV title on Sunday following his impressive opening against German teenager Max Hopp, with his 6-3 win earning a clash with James Wade in the last eight.
 
Wade averaged 103 as he whitewashed Jamie Lewis 6-0 in their second round game, but Wright is confident that he can see off the eight-time major winner before challenging to win his maiden televised tournament.
 
"It was a tough start," said Wright. "Max is a great young player and I knew I had a tough game against him, but he let me off when he missed a few doubles and I stepped in.
 
"The crowd got me through it and their support was great, so I didn't want to let them down and I didn't. The welcome when I got out there was fantastic, especially seeing so many people in the crowd dressed up like me.
 
"That's why I like to give it back to them, to show the appreciation, and it would be wonderful if I can go on and win this now on Sunday.
 
"That would be amazing but I've got to take one leg at a time because I've got James Wade first and I'll have to play well because James is on form.
 
"I've played him many times this year already and he's got the advantage, but I think I'm playing a little bit better.
 
"Jamie Lewis didn't turn up so James didn't have any pressure on him, but he'll have pressure on him when we play because I'll battle all the way."
 
Wade was in top form as he saw off Wales' Lewis, who had only one dart at a double during the 13-minute contest after producing an impressive display earlier in the day to defeat Dutch youngster Benito van de Pas.
 
South Africa's flamboyant Devon Petersen had entered the stage against Thornton on a hoverboard, but missed doubles cost him against the Scottish favourite.
 
Australian pair Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson were knocked out by Rodriguez and Chisnall, while Hopp took out 142 and 102 in his win over Belgian debutant Dimitri Van den Bergh.
 
Webster had impressed with a 100 average as he saw off world number eight Michael Smith 6-4, while Brown was a 6-4 winner against Ian White in a game which featured six ton-plus checkouts.
 
The £155,000 tournament concludes on Sunday, with the quarter-finals in the afternoon session and the semi-finals and final in the evening session at the Braehead Arena. Tickets are available on the day from the Braehead Arena Box Office.
 
Unibet World Series of Darts Finals
Saturday November 21
Afternoon Session
First Round
Simon Whitlock 4-6 Rowby-John Rodriguez
Benito van de Pas 4-6 Jamie Lewis
Max Hopp 6-3 Dimitri Van den Bergh
Michael Smith 4-6 Mark Webster
Keegan Brown 6-4 Ian White
Kyle Anderson 4-6 Dave Chisnall
Devon Petersen 3-6 Robert Thornton
Terry Jenkins 6-5 Chris Dobey
Best of 11 legs
 
Evening Session
Second Round
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Rowby-John Rodriguez
James Wade 6-0 Jamie Lewis
Peter Wright 6-3 Max Hopp
Raymond van Barneveld 6-2 Mark Webster
Adrian Lewis 6-2 Keegan Brown
Phil Taylor 6-1 Dave Chisnall
Michael van Gerwen 6-1 Robert Thornton
Gary Anderson 5-6 Terry Jenkins
Best of 11 legs
 
Sunday November 22
Afternoon Session (12.45pm)
Quarter-Finals
James Wade v Peter Wright
Phil Taylor v Stephen Bunting
Adrian Lewis v Terry Jenkins
Raymond van Barneveld v Michael van Gerwen
Best of 19 legs
 
Evening Session (7pm)
Semi-Finals
Taylor/Bunting v Wade/Wright
Lewis/Jenkins v van Barneveld/van Gerwen
Best of 21 legs
 
Final
v
Best of 21 legs
 
MATCH INFORMATION
AFTERNOON SESSION - FIRST ROUND
Simon Whitlock v Rowby-John Rodriguez
0-1 - Whitlock misses tops, allowing Rodriguez in to finish 48.
1-1 - The Australian levels by hitting double ten for a 13-darter.
1-2 - Whitlock misses his chance to break throw, allowing Rodriguez back in on double ten.
1-3 - Rodriguez hits double 16 to break throw and move two legs up with a 14-darter.
2-3 - Two missed doubles from the Austrian allow Whitlock to hit back on double six.
2-4 - Whitlock misses double seven for a 122 finish to level, and Rodriguez finishes 70 on double six to regain his lead.
3-4 - Whitlock fires in a 162 score before hitting tops to respond.
3-5 - Double 16 moves Rodriguez to the brink of victory.
4-5 - Whitlock finishes another 13-darter on double 18 to keep his hopes alive.
4-6 - Whitlock misses the bull to force a deciding leg, and Rodriguez hits double 16 to seal his second round spot against Stephen Bunting.
 
Benito van de Pas v Jamie Lewis
1-0 - van de Pas lands a 180 before hitting double 16 to claim the opening leg.
1-1 - Lewis hits a 177 score before recovering from five missed doubles to land double eight.
2-1 - The Dutch youngster takes out 112 on tops to regain the edge.
2-2 - Double eight allows Lewis to level.
3-2 - van de Pas takes out 96 to continue his strong finishing.
3-3 - Lewis initially misses the bull to finish 161, but returns on double eight.
4-3 - Lewis misses a dart at tops to break throw, and van de Pas hits the same bed to regain the lead.
4-4 - van de Pas lands a superb 171 score to leave 36, but three misses at double 18 allow Lewis in to hit the bed and avert a possible break of throw.
4-5 - Lewis breaks throw for the first time by taking out 70 on double eight.
4-6 - Double 16 sees Lewis secure the win and a second round spot against James Wade.
 
Max Hopp v Dimitri Van den Bergh
1-0 - Van den Bergh misses the bull and two darts at double 15, allowing Hopp in on double 16 to lead.
1-1 - Hopp hits a 180, but the Belgian hits double ten to level.
2-1 - A superb 142 checkout, ending on double 11, sees Hopp regain the lead.
3-1 - Hopp breaks throw by taking out 82 on tops, despite Van den Bergh landing a 171 score.
4-1 - Hopp lands another maximum before finishing double eight to win a third straight leg.
4-2 - Hopp misses tops for a 120 checkout, allowing Van den Bergh back in to land double one to respond.
5-2 - Hopp posts a 180 before finishing double ten to move a leg away from the win.
5-3 - Hopp misses four match darts at double 18 and nine, and Van den Bergh steps in on double 16 to stay in the game.
6-3 - The German teenager sets up a second round clash with Peter Wright by taking out 102 on double six.
 
Michael Smith v Mark Webster
0-1 - Webster fires in a 177 score before finishing double ten to break throw immediately.
1-1 - Webster misses three darts to double his lead, allowing Smith back in on double five to level.
1-2 - The Welsh left-hander moves back ahead with a superb 11-dart finish, scoring 140, 180 and 127 before hitting tops.
1-3 - Smith misses the bull to take out 94, and Webster lands double 12 to move two legs up.
2-3 - Webster hits a 180 but Smith posts a third-dart double five to respond.
2-4 - Webster takes out 52 on tops to regain his two-leg lead.
3-4 - Smith lands a 180 and double 14 to hit back.
3-5 - Smith opens with a 177 and leaves 48 after nine darts as he seeks a break, but Webster takes out a superb 122 on double seven to move to the brink of victory.
4-5 - Smith takes out 58 on tops to keep his hopes alive.
4-6 - Webster hits a timely 180 before finishing 88 for an 11-darter to seal the win and set up a second round clash with Raymond van Barneveld.
 
Keegan Brown v Ian White
1-0 - Brown finishes 106 to win the game's opening leg.
2-0 - Brown breaks throw with a 105 checkout to double his lead.
2-1 - Tops sees White break throw to claim his first leg.
2-2 - White fires in a 180, and when Brown misses tops, double three sees the Stoke ace level.
3-2 - White lands another maximum, but Brown takes out a brilliant 136 finish to regain the lead with his third ton-plus checkout.
4-2 - White misses double 18 to level, and Brown steps in to break throw on double ten.
4-3 - White checks out a superb 143 finish to hit back.
4-4 - White now finishes 110 as the ton-plus checkouts continue to flow.
5-4 - Brown regains the lead with a superb 150 checkout.
6-4 - Brown opens the leg with a 180, and when White misses double 12 for a 141 checkout, the World Youth Champion hits tops to seal the win, earning him a clash with Adrian Lewis in the second round.
 
Kyle Anderson v Dave Chisnall
0-1 - Chisnall claims the opening leg to move ahead.
0-2 - Anderson lands a 180 but misses three doubles as Chisnall breaks throw on double three.
0-3 - Double four sees Chisnall move three legs up.
1-3 - Anderson hits another maximum before landing double 15 to claim his first leg.
2-3 - Chisnall misses two darts at double 18, allowing Anderson in to break throw by finishing 64 on double ten.
3-3 - Double 16 sees Anderson level the game.
4-3 - The Australian moves ahead by taking out 80 on double ten to win his fourth straight leg.
4-4 - Anderson lands a 180 but Chisnall finishes 48 on double eight to hit back.
4-5 - Both players post maximums before Chisnall finishes 62 on double 16 to move back ahead.
4-6 - Chisnall adds another maximum, and punishes four missed darts at double top from Anderson to land double 19 for the win, moving through to face Phil Taylor.
 
Devon Petersen v Robert Thornton
0-1 - Petersen delights the crowd with his unique walk-on, which features a hoverboard, but Thornton wins the opening leg on double two in front of his home crowd.
1-1 - Both players land 180s before Thornton pays for missed doubles as Petersen returns on double eight to level.
2-1 - The pair trade maximums again before Petersen takes out 80 on double ten, after Thornton misses tops for a 106 finish.
2-2 - For a third successive leg both players hit 180s, before Thornton checks out 136 to level.
2-3 - Thornton lands tops to move back ahead.
2-4 - Five missed doubles from Petersen allow Thornton back in to hit a third-dart double top to break throw.
2-5 - Both players initially miss tops for ton-plus finishes before Thornton returns to hit the bed and move a leg away from victory.
3-5 - Petersen lands a 180 before double one keeps his hopes alive.
3-6 - Thornton hits double top to seal the win, setting up a tasty second round clash with Michael van Gerwen.
 
Terry Jenkins v Chris Dobey
0-1 - Dobey punishes a missed double from Jenkins by taking out 83 to win the opening leg, settling any nerves on his TV debut.
1-1 - Jenkins opens with a 180 before finishing double six to level.
1-2 - Double ten sees Dobey regain the edge.
2-2 - Jenkins levels again by finishing double 18.
3-2 - Dobey misses double 16 to finish 104, and Jenkins checks out 101 on tops for the game's first break of throw.
3-3 - The pair trade 180s before Dobey this time takes out 101 as he levels.
4-3 - Jenkins opens with 180 and 140 before finishing 76 to regain the lead.
4-4 - Five missed doubles from Jenkins are punished as Dobey lands tops to level.
4-5 - Dobey hits a 180 before finishing double 16 to move back in front.
5-5 - Dobey misses double 12 and six to claim victory with an 81 finish, and Jenkins hits double eight to send the match into a decider.
6-5 - Dobey is unable to take out 110, and Jenkins posts tops to edge to victory, moving him through to face World Champion Gary Anderson.
 
EVENING SESSION - SECOND ROUND
Stephen Bunting v Rowby-John Rodriguez
0-1 - Rodriguez lands the game's first 180, and punishes six missed doubles from Bunting to win the opening leg on double two.
1-1 - Bunting hits a maximum and tops to level.
1-2 - Another leg sees both players miss doubles across two visits before Rodriguez again lands double two to edge ahead again.
1-3 - Rodriguez lands two 180s before finishing double three to move two legs clear.
2-3 - Bunting this time hits double three as he responds.
2-4 - Bunting lands two 180s before Rodriguez lands a 177 to leave 28, and when the English ace misses the bull to finish 81 the Austrian takes out double 14 to regain his cushion.
3-4 - Both players land maximums before a miss at tops from Rodriguez allows Bunting in on double eight.
4-4 - Double 16 sees Bunting level.
5-4 - Rodriguez misses tops for a 107 finish, and Bunting hits double six to lead for the first time.
6-4 - Bunting hits his fifth 180 before landing double 16 to complete the fightback.
 
James Wade v Jamie Lewis
1-0 - Wade breaks throw immediately by taking out 40.
2-0 - A 14-dart leg sees Wade double his advantage.
3-0 - Lewis misses a dart at tops to finish 80 before Wade hits the same bed for a 13-darter.
4-0 - Wade wins his fourth straight leg as he takes out 40 for another 14-darter.
5-0 - Wade lands a 180 and takes out 86 for another break of throw.
6-0 - Tops sees Wade complete the whitewash victory with a 103.66 average.
 
Peter Wright v Max Hopp
0-1 - Double ten sees Hopp claim an immediate break of throw.
1-1 - Wright hits a 180 and lands tops to level, after Hopp misses double ten for a 100 finish.
2-1 - The pair trade 180s before Wright lands double six to lead,
3-1 - Hopp misses three darts at double top and ten, allowing Wright in on tops to break.
4-1 - Double eight sees Wright claim his fourth straight leg.
4-2 - Hopp lands double ten to hit back, after Wright misses a dart at tops.
4-3 - Wright is unable to hit double 16 to finish 110, and Hopp lands double two as he breaks throw.
5-3 - Hopp misses two darts to level, at double 14 and seven to finish 88, as Wright steps in on tops to move a leg away from the win.
6-3 - Hopp lands a 180, but Wright lands tops as he secures his spot in the quarter-finals against James Wade.
 
Raymond van Barneveld v Mark Webster
1-0 - Double ten for a 60 finish sees van Barneveld claim the opening leg.
2-0 - van Barneveld lands a 180 and double six to move two legs up.
3-0 - van Barneveld's fine start continues as he takes out 78 on double six.
4-0 - The Dutchman lands a 180 and double seven to claim a fourth straight leg.
5-0 - van Barneveld takes out 114 to move a leg away from victory.
5-1 - Webster hits a 180 and finishes a brilliant 164 to save the game.
5-2 - Webster initially misses tops for a 160 finish before returning on double ten.
6-2 - van Barneveld hits tops to claim the win and move through to the quarter-finals.
 
Adrian Lewis v Keegan Brown
1-0 - Brown's 180 is countered by a 177 from Lewis, who wins the leg on double one.
2-0 - Lewis takes out 88 on the bull to double his lead.
2-1 - Lewis this time misses the bull for an 88 checkout, and Brown finishes 85 on the middle double to break throw and get off the mark.
3-1 - Lewis takes out 66 on double 18 to move two legs clear.
4-1 - Lewis initially misses two darts to win the leg before posting double one, for the second time, to open up a three-leg lead.
4-2 - Brown finishes a superb 132 checkout with two bullseyes and double 16.
5-2 - Lewis fires in a 180 and double 14 to move a leg away from the win.
6-2 - Brown misses four darts at doubles to stay in the game, and Lewis finishes double eight for the win.
 
Phil Taylor v Dave Chisnall
1-0 - Chisnall fires in the game's first 180, but Taylor lands tops for a 13-darter.
1-1 - Chisnall finishes 81 on double six to level the game.
2-1 - Double three sees Taylor regain the lead.
3-1 - Chisnall lands a 180 but double 16 sees Taylor break throw.
4-1 - Double ten sees Taylor claim a third straight leg.
5-1 - Chisnall misses double 12 to hit back, and Taylor returns on double one as he moves a leg away from the win.
6-1 - Taylor seals victory with double 18 as he moves through to meet Stephen Bunting in the quarter-finals.
 
Michael van Gerwen v Robert Thornton
1-0 - van Gerwen lands scores of 177 and 180 as he takes the game's opening leg.
2-0 - The world number one adds another 180 before recovering from five missed doubles to punish Thornton for four wasted chances by landing double four to break throw.
3-0 - Double 18 gives van Gerwen a third successive leg.
3-1 - Thornton lands a 180 and double ten to claim his first leg.
4-1 - van Gerwen lands two maximums in the leg before finishing double ten to regain his cushion.
5-1 - Thornton misses double top for a 160 finish, and van Gerwen capitalises to move to the brink of victory.
6-1 - Thornton hits a 180, but van Gerwen finishes 64 on double eight to complete the win and set up an all-Dutch quarter-final with Raymond van Barneveld.
 
Gary Anderson v Terry Jenkins
1-0 - Jenkins is punished for two missed doubles as Anderson hits tops for an immediate break.
2-0 - Tops sees the World Champion double his lead, to the delight of the home crowd.
3-0 - Anderson capitalises on another miss from Jenkins by finishing 62.
3-1 - Jenkins fires in a 180 before punishing Anderson for four missed doubles by hitting double six.
3-2 - Jenkins opens with a 180 before landing double ten to reduce the gap to one leg.
3-3 - Jenkins posts a maximum for a third successive leg before punishing Anderson's miss at tops by hitting the same bed to level.
3-4 - The nine-time major finalist's charge continues as he trades 180s with Anderson before landing tops to move ahead for the first time.
4-4 - Double top sees Anderson hit back to win his first leg in five.
4-5 - Jenkins takes out 121 on the bull to move back in front and to the brink of the win.
5-5 - Anderson finishes 100 on double 19 to send the game into a decider.
5-6 - Jenkins is first to a finish before Anderson lands a 180 - but the Scot is unable to capitalise on four misses from his opponent when he sees three match darts slip away, allowing Jenkins back in on double five to edge the win.

GARY ANDERSON is aiming to celebrate his Scottish homecoming with victory when 24 stars compete in the inaugural Unibet World Series of Darts Finals at Glasgow's Braehead Arena this weekend.
 
The ITV4-televised event follows five World Series of Darts events held in Dubai, Yokohama, Perth, Sydney and Auckland earlier in 2015, with the leading eight players following those tournaments joined by 16 rivals in Glasgow.
 
Phil Taylor, who won the events in Yokohama, Perth and Sydney, arrives in Scotland as the number one seed, with August's Auckland Darts Masters winner Adrian Lewis seeded second and Dubai Darts Masters champion Michael van Gerwen third.
 
World Champion Anderson is also amongst the eight seeds, alongside Scottish World Cup team-mate Peter Wright, James Wade, Raymond van Barneveld and Stephen Bunting.
 
The seeded stars will enter in Saturday evening's second round, with the afternoon's first round seeing the 12 invited players and four qualifiers face off.
 
Anderson will play either nine-time major finalist Terry Jenkins or debutant Chris Dobey in his opening game on Saturday evening - and is wary of either opponent.
 
While Jenkins' record over the past decade has made him one of the sport's leading names, Northumberland's Dobey - who works in traffic management - was encouraged by Anderson and his manager Tommy Gilmour to join the PDC circuit in January.
 
"Chris is a great lad and a fantastic player," said Anderson. "Along with Michael Smith, who's also in Glasgow, and Adam Hunt we've got three top young players who've got their heads screwed on.
 
"Chris has done well this year and it was great for him to qualify. Terry might not know much about him and he's in for a tough match and I know it's going to be hard whoever I play.
 
"Terry's always been a thorn in my side and he's a class act. I'll be trying my hardest against whoever I play - but if Chris goes on to beat me he might be looking for a new management team afterwards!"
 
Anderson competed in Premier League nights in Glasgow and Aberdeen earlier this year, and admitted that being announced as World Champion in his homeland is a special moment.
 
"I'm really looking forward to it," said Anderson. "It puts a lot of pressure on you being back home but I can't wait to be back in Scotland playing darts because we don't get many tournaments up here.
 
"The support's always fantastic and sports fans in Scotland love their darts - and when I was introduced in Glasgow as World Champion every hair in my body was standing up and it will be the same this weekend.
 
"We've been all over the world with the World Series this year and that's been fantastic, I've loved every minute of it."
 
World number one Michael van Gerwen is aiming to win a third successive televised title, after winning the European Championship and Grand Slam of Darts already this month.
 
The Dutchman - who claimed a third successive World Series title in Dubai in May - will face either Scottish star Robert Thornton, October's World Grand Prix champion, or South Africa's emerging star Devon Petersen in his opening tie.
 
"It's been an amazing time for me and I'm playing some great darts at the moment, and it would be special if I can continue that this weekend," said van Gerwen.
 
"I always try to win every tournament but this is the first World Series of Darts Finals and it's a massive target for me to win.
 
"The World Series has been fantastic and we've had five great events around the world - but I'd love to be the one to be the final champion this year."
 
Taylor, meanwhile, plays either Premier League semi-finalist Dave Chisnall or Australian ace Kyle Anderson in a tasty portion of the draw as he looks to follow up last weekend's run to the Grand Slam of Darts final last Sunday with glory in Glasgow.
 
"It's going to be a great event and I'm excited," said Taylor. "I was pleased with how I played in the Grand Slam but this is a new week and I'll be giving it all I've got.
 
"Kyle's come through in the last couple of years and I've played him a couple of times in the World Series, and he's a great prospect. Everyone knows how good Chizzy is too - his nine-darter in the Grand Slam showed that - so it will be tough."
 
Two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis, who won the year's final international event in Auckland, will play either World Youth Champion Keegan Brown or Stoke's Ian White in his opening clash.
 
Five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld plays either Michael Smith, the former World Youth Champion who has moved up to eighth in the world rankings this year, or Wales' Mark Webster, who reached the World Grand Prix semi-finals last October.
 
Japan Darts Masters finalist Peter Wright will play either German teenager Max Hopp or Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who is making his TV debut in Glasgow.
 
James Wade, the Perth Darts Masters runner-up, is up against Holland's Benito van de Pas or Wales' Jamie Lewis, while Stephen Bunting is set to meet either Australian number one Simon Whitlock or Austrian youngster Rowby-John Rodriguez.
 
The two-day tournament continues with the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon before the semi-finals and final see the champion crowned in the evening session.
 
Tickets for the Unibet World Series of Darts Finals are still available and can be purchased in person from the Braehead Arena Box Office, by calling 0844 499 1700 or online via www.ticketmaster.co.uk. Easy Access Seats/Wheelchair Bookings via 0141 886 8300.
 
Unibet World Series of Darts Finals
Saturday November 21
Afternoon Session (12.45pm)
First Round
Simon Whitlock v Rowby-John Rodriguez
Benito van de Pas v Jamie Lewis
Max Hopp v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Michael Smith v Mark Webster
Keegan Brown v Ian White
Kyle Anderson v Dave Chisnall
Devon Petersen v Robert Thornton
Terry Jenkins v Chris Dobey
Best of 11 legs
 
Evening Session (7pm)
Second Round
Stephen Bunting v Whitlock/Rodriguez
James Wade v van de Pas/J Lewis
Peter Wright v Hopp/Van den Bergh
Raymond van Barneveld v Smith/Webster
Adrian Lewis v Brown/White
Phil Taylor v K Anderson/Chisnall
Michael van Gerwen v Petersen/Thornton
Gary Anderson v Jenkins/Dobey
Best of 11 legs
 
Sunday November 22
Afternoon Session (12.45pm)
Quarter-Finals
Wade/van de Pas/J Lewis v Wright/Hopp/Van den Bergh
Taylor/K Anderson/Chisnall v Bunting/Whitlock/Rodriguez
A Lewis/Brown/White v G Anderson/Jenkins/Dobey
van Barneveld/Smith/Webster v van Gerwen/Petersen/Thornton
Best of 19 legs
 
Evening Session (7pm)
Semi-Finals
Best of 21 legs
 
Final
Best of 21 legs

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN completed a clean sweep of the PDC's major titles with a brilliant 16-13 triumph over Phil Taylor in the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts final on Sunday night.
 
Van Gerwen's incredible 2015 continued as the world number one followed up his previous Masters, UK Open, World Matchplay and European Championship victories by scooping the £100,000 first prize at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall.
 
After trailing 4-1 and 7-3, van Gerwen punished missed doubles from the Stoke legend to win six straight legs and move 9-7 up during an enthralling contest.
 
Taylor levelled at nine-all, but van Gerwen took the next three to pull into a lead he would never give up as he closed out the win on double 18, hitting 14 180s and maintaining his record of averaging over 100 in all seven wins during the week.
 
"I had two main targets this year which were the World Matchplay and the Grand Slam of Darts and I've won them both," said van Gerwen. "I'm a very happy man and I'm really pleased because it means a lot to me.
 
"To beat Phil in the final is a great honour for me and I'm so happy to have won this title. Phil's a fantastic player but he didn't play his best game.
 
"Phil was playing really good darts at the beginning, and I couldn't find my own speed. It was difficult for me and I wasn't happy, but Phil gave me a finger and I took his hand, and that made me come back in the game.
 
"When you get in front you don't want to give it away, and I'm really glad that I took my chances.
 
"I've won every major now and it means a lot to me. I played an absolutely fantastic tournament this week, with good averages, good finishing and the only thing I missed I think was a nine-darter."
 
Taylor made a perfect start to the game with a 180 on his opening visit, and he also added a 177 as he landed an 11-dart leg to claim the opener before finishing double 16 and 81 to move three legs clear.
 
Van Gerwen got off the mark in the fourth leg, only for Taylor to take out 131 on double 16 as he restored his cushion, and after the next two were shared the pair traded 11-darts before the Stoke ace finished 106 for a 7-3 lead.
 
Van Gerwen, though, took out 105 to reply and punished missed doubles from Taylor in four legs out of six as he turned the game around to power into a 9-7 advantage.
 
A 12-darter saw Taylor hit back and he then levelled on double ten, but van Gerwen broke throw by finishing 121 for a 12-darter and stepped in following four further misses from his rival in the next two legs to establish a 12-9 cushion.
 
Taylor stepped in to win the next two as he cut the gap to 12-11, but he was unable to break throw as the four more legs went with the throw to leave van Gerwen on the brink of victory at 15-13 before double 18 sealed glory.
 
Taylor admitted: "I missed too many doubles and it's my own fault, but I'm proud to have reached the final but I'm disappointed that I lost.
 
"I gave him chances and he took them, and fair play to him - it's set him up now for the rest of the year. He's a phenomenal darts player."
 
Van Gerwen took home £102,500 as the champion, including a Group Winner Bonus, while Taylor pocketed £52,500 in prize money and Dave Chisnall scooped a £30,000 bonus for his brilliant nine-dart finish last Sunday evening.
 
SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts
Sunday November 15
Final
Michael van Gerwen 16-13 Phil Taylor
Best of 31 legs
 
MATCH INFORMATION
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
0-1 - Taylor kicks off with six perfect darts of 180 and 177 before landing double three for an 11-dart opening leg.
0-2 - Both players initially miss two darts at doubles before Taylor returns on double 16 to break throw immediately.
0-3 - Taylor finishes 81 to continue his brilliant start.
1-3 - Taylor wires double 16 for a 68 finish, and van Gerwen hits the same bed to claim his first leg of the final.
1-4 - Taylor checks out a brilliant 131 finish on double 16 to regain his three-leg lead.
2-4 - van Gerwen hits a 180 and double ten to respond.
2-5 - Taylor fires in a maximum of his own and double eight.
3-5 - Both players open with 180s and Taylor adds a 165 score to leave 16 after nine darts, only to see van Gerwen finish 48 for an 11-darter to hit back.
3-6 - Taylor fires in an 11-darter of his own, after both players land further maximums in the leg.
3-7 - van Gerwen misses five darts at doubles to win the leg, and Taylor takes out 106 for a break of throw to move four legs clear.
4-7 - The roles are reversed as Taylor misses double 12 and six, and van Gerwen follows a 180 with a 105 checkout to break back immediately.
5-7 - van Gerwen opens with his fifth 180 of the game, and is given a let-off for two misses at tops when Taylor is unable to land two darts at double ten.
6-7 - Both players hit maximums, but Taylor misses three further doubles to allow van Gerwen in for another break of throw on double ten, winning his third successive leg.
7-7 - van Gerwen takes out 66 on double 18 as he levels the game.
8-7 - van Gerwen wins his fifth successive leg, punishing two further missed doubles from Taylor by taking out 78 on double ten.
9-7 - Double 16 sees van Gerwen win a sixth straight leg, moving two clear of Taylor.
9-8 - Both players land 180s once again before Taylor finishes double 16 for a 12-darter to respond.
9-9 - Taylor fires in a 180, and is given a let-off for a miss at tops as van Gerwen misses the same bed to take out 74, allowing the reigning champion back in on double ten.
10-9 - van Gerwen breaks throw with a superb 12-darter, opening with scores of 180 and 140 before finishing 121 on double 14 to move back in front.
11-9 - Taylor hits a 180, but misses three darts at doubles across two visits to allow van Gerwen back in on tops to open up a two-leg lead.
12-9 - van Gerwen hits his ninth maximum, and when Taylor misses double top for a 118 finish, the Dutchman breaks throw once more on double 18.
12-10 - Taylor this time capitalises on a miss from his opponent, hitting a 180 and stepping in on double 16 after van Gerwen was unable to land tops.
12-11 - Both players hit 180s, and when van Gerwen misses three darts at doubles 18 and nine Taylor steps in to take out 94 on tops as he cuts the gap to one leg.
13-11 - van Gerwen opens with a maximum and finishes double 16 to regain some breathing space.
13-12 - Both players once more hit 180s - taking the match tally to 23 between the duo - before Taylor's 81 finish on double six sees him hit back once again.
14-12 - Double eight sees van Gerwen regain his cushion.
14-13 - van Gerwen opens with 180 and 140, but misses four doubles to break throw as Taylor lands double eight.
15-13 - van Gerwen hits a 14th 180 before double 16 moves him to the brink of victory.
16-13 - van Gerwen pulls clear before landing double 18 to claim the win and complete a full set of PDC major titles.

PHIL TAYLOR and Raymond van Barneveld will clash in the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals on Sunday following their victories over Robert Thornton and Mark Webster in Wolverhampton.
 
Taylor produced a staggering display of finishing as he swept aside Thornton 16-7 in a repeat of the 2013 Wolves Civic final.
 
The 55-year-old hit 16 doubles from 21 attempts and landed five ton-plus checkouts during a dominant performance to see off the Scot, who shared the opening six legs before seeing Taylor pull clear.
 
Taylor had already taken out 121 and 126 before a ten-dart finish in the seventh leg sparked a run which saw him take seven legs out of nine to move 10-5 up.
 
Thornton hit back to win a sixth leg, but Taylor finished 167 and 120 before sealing his semi-final spot with a 101 checkout.
 
"It's brilliant to be in the semis," said Taylor. "My finishing was great but it had to be tonight, and the 167 was a massive shot at a crucial time.
 
"I had to put Robert under pressure but he never gives up and he's a cracking player and he was still coming back at me at the end."
 
Taylor now faces his great rival van Barneveld in the semi-finals on Sunday afternoon, after the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts champion landed four ton-plus checkouts in his 16-12 defeat of Mark Webster.
 
Van Barneveld produced a classy performance to see off Webster, who had knocked out World Champion Gary Anderson in the second round but was unable to repeat his deadly finishing as  punished a string of missed doubles in mid-game to create a lead he would never lose.
 
Van Barneveld finished 121 and 161 as he opened up a 10-4 lead over Webster, who hit a 110 checkout in reply as he halved the gap.
 
Van Barneveld then took out 146 as he moved 13-8 up, with Webster hitting back to 13-12 but crucially being unable to level as the Dutch star hit tops for some breathing space, a 124 finish and an 11-darter to seal victory.
 
"I'm really happy," said van Barneveld. "I worked hard for this and I was very focused but I could never relax.
 
"Mark's a fantastic player and he kept coming back all the time and I was worried in the last five or six legs, but the 124 finish was a mental break-point I think.
 
"He hit ten 180s but you prefer to hit doubles and mine went in big-time tonight. It was my night tonight and maybe it's my week because I feel comfortable and I'm happy with the way I'm playing.
 
"I was so tired at the end but I'm not used to playing long games like this in the quarter-finals at the moment! I'll get plenty of rest on Saturday and prepare for Sunday now."
 
Taylor added: "I wish it was the final against Barney because it will be an absolute belter and I hope it's a good game.
 
"Raymond's a winner and he pulls it out when he has to. He's going to go up there and play well and I'll have to be on my game."
 
Van Barneveld's compatriot Michael van Gerwen is bidding for revenge against Kim Huybrechts for last year's quarter-final loss to the Belgian when the pair clash at the same stage on Saturday.
 
Huybrechts hit a nine-dart finish as he knocked out the world number one a year ago, but van Gerwen averaged 109 in his second round win over Steve Beaton and said: "I feel comfortable and I want to keep these performances going because I feel I can win this tournament
 
"It's going to be a fantastic game against Kim. Last year I lost to him but I only have one goal this week and that's to win this tournament.
 
"When I play like I did on Thursday I feel unbeatable, but loads of other players can play that well too. I've lost with a 111 average recently so nothing is guaranteed."
 
The other quarter-final sees former World Youth Champion Michael Smith up against two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis, who is bidding to reach his third Wolverhampton semi-final.
 
SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts
Friday November 13
Quarter-Finals
Mark Webster 12-16 Raymond van Barneveld
Robert Thornton 7-16 Phil Taylor
Best of 31 legs
 
Saturday November 14 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals
Michael Smith v Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen v Kim Huybrechts
Best of 31 legs
 
MATCH INFORMATION
Mark Webster v Raymond van Barneveld
1-0 - van Barneveld misses double six to take out 126, and Webster hits double ten to claim the first leg.
1-1 - Double two sees van Barneveld level.
1-2 - Webster hits a 180, but is unable to prevent van Barneveld from taking out 121 on double 14 to break throw.
2-2 - Webster opens with two maximums to set up a possible nine-darter, and though he is unable to complete the perfect leg he returns to hit double ten to break back.
2-3 - Webster hits his fourth 180 of the game, but misses double 18 and nine to move back ahead as van Barneveld returns from a missed bull to land double eight.
2-4 - Webster misses a dart at tops, and van Barneveld finishes 65 on double six to open up a two-leg lead.
2-5 - The Welsh ace misses another dart at tops, for a 111 checkout, and van Barneveld follows a 180 with double eight to break throw once more.
2-6 - Webster kicks off with his sixth 180 of the contest, but pays for another missed double - at double 14 for a 148 finish - as van Barneveld hits double ten to win his fourth straight leg.
3-6 - Webster finishes 64 on double 16 to claim his first leg in five.
4-6 - Tops sees Webster break throw to halve the deficit.
4-7 - van Barneveld hits a 177 before punishing two further missed doubles from Webster by taking out 80 on double five.
4-8 - Webster fires in another 180 but sees van Barneveld take out a brilliant 161 checkout.
4-9 - van Barneveld finishes 76 on double eight to move five legs clear.
4-10 - The 2012 Grand Slam champion posts a 180 and finishes 68 on tops to continue his charge with a third straight leg.
5-10 - Webster lands a 180 before taking out 56 to reply.
6-10 - Webster breaks throw with a 110 checkout, ending on double 15.
7-10 - Two misses at double 16 from van Barneveld allow Webster in on double three to win his third successive leg.
7-11 - Webster hits a 180 but misses the bull, allowing the Dutchman in on double 18.
7-12 - van Barneveld produces a superb 146 checkout to move five legs clear.
8-12 - Webster hits his tenth 180, and lands double ten to respond.
8-13 - Webster misses the bull, double 12 and double six to allow van Barneveld to follow a 180 with double niine.
9-13 - Webster breaks throw on double ten to hit back once more.
10-13 - Webster takes out a superb 107 checkout on tops to reduce the gap to three legs.
11-13 - Webster's revival continues as he finishes 96 on double 18.
12-13 - The left-hander cuts the gap to one leg by finishing 52 on tops.
12-14 - van Barneveld hits tops to finish 60 to win his first leg in five, denying Webster a chance to level.
12-15 - van Barneveld moves a leg away from the win with a fine 124 checkout on double 11.
12-16 - van Barneveld completes the win in style with a brilliant 11-darter, hitting a fourth 180 in the process of reaching the semi-finals.
 
Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor
0-1 - Taylor holds throw to take the game's opening leg.
1-1 - Taylor misses tops to break throw, and Thornton finishes 62 to level.
1-2 - Taylor hits a 180 and finishes 121 to move back in front.
2-2 - The pair trade maximums before Thornton hits double six to respond.
2-3 - Taylor finishes a superb 126 finish on the bull.
3-3 - Thornton takes out 24 to square the contest again.
3-4 - Taylor regains the lead with an outstanding ten-dart leg, scoring 180, 134 and 171 before hitting double eight.
3-5 - Double eight sees Taylor break throw.
3-6 - Taylor finishes 32 to move three legs clear.
4-6 - Thornton takes out 86 on the bull to win his first leg in four.
4-7 - Taylor finishes 66 on double four to regain his cushion.
5-7 - Double ten sees Thornton hit back once more.
5-8 - Taylor fires in a 180 and double 16 to win his eighth leg, moving himself halfway to victory.
5-9 - Taylor lands another bullseye finish, this time completing an 84 checkout on the middle double.
5-10 - Taylor finishes 62 on double 16 to open up a five-leg lead.
6-10 - Thornton responds on double 16.
6-11 - Taylor hits double 16 to restore his cushion.
6-12 - Thornton misses double 11 to finish 102, and Taylor completes a 13-darter on double 16.
6-13 - Taylor produces a killer 167 checkout to move seven legs clear.
6-14 - Taylor follows his sixth 180 of the game with a 94 checkout to continue his charge towards the semi-finals.
6-15 - Taylor takes out 120 for his fourth ton-plus checkout of the game as he moves a leg away from victory.
7-15 - The pair trade 180s before Thornton hits tops to keep his hopes alive.
7-16 - Taylor's eighth maximum is followed by a third 180 from Thornton, but the reigning champion takes out 101 on double 16 to seal a brilliant win, averaging 104.18 and hitting 76 percent of his finishes.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN produced a master-class against Steve Beaton to storm into the SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals on Thursday night, as Martin Adams' Wolverhampton dreams were ended by Kim Huybrechts.
 
Dutchman van Gerwen remained on course for his first Wolves Civic title by averaging 109.18 in a relentless 10-2 defeat of Beaton, limiting his opponent to only five darts at a double in the game.
 
Van Gerwen hit three 180s in the opening three legs and also took out 124 for a 12-dart finish as he moved 3-0 up, and hit double eight before back-to-back 13-darters put him six legs clear.
 
Beaton took out 116 as he finally got off the mark, and replied to another 13-dart finish from the Dutchman with tops to pull back to 7-2, but any hope of a fightback was swiftly ended by van Gerwen with legs of 14, 13 and 12 darts.
 
"I'm really happy because I played well," said van Gerwen. "I'm playing fantastic darts and today was perfect, I hit my finishes at the right moments.
 
"I hope I can keep this performance going but this is a tournament I've never won before so I've got a huge couple of games ahead.
 
"I know I can keep this going and I only have one goal in this tournament - to win."
 
Van Gerwen will aim for revenge against Kim Huybrechts for last year's quarter-final defeat when they meet on Saturday night, after the Belgian edged out Martin Adams 10-9 in a thriller.
 
The three-time Lakeside Champion had won through his group unbeaten with a trio of wins, and led 2-0 against Huybrechts after hitting a 12-darter which included two maximums before defying a pair of 180s in leg four to lead 3-1.
 
Huybrechts, though, took the next five legs without reply as he moved into a 6-3 lead, finishing 64, 76 and a 13-darter as he turned the game on its head, only for Adams to hit back and level.
 
After Adams finished 92 to square the contest at seven-all, Huybrechts finishes 79 and 70 to move 9-7 up only for the BDO stalwart to take out double 19 and tops to send the game into a decider.
 
Huybrechts, who had wired double ten to finish 128 in the game's penultimate leg, held his nerve as he finished tops for a 13-darter to finally claim the win and end Adams' challenge.
 
"It was a difficult game and the final leg was nerve-wracking but I'm happy with the win," said Huybrechts. "I'm not happy with the way I played but I'm happy with the last leg and hitting double top with one dart.
 
"At the beginning of the tournament my scoring power was there and my finishing wasn't, and now my scoring power isn't really there and my finishing is there, so I'll try to make a combination in the next game."
 
Huybrechts hit a nine-darter in last year's quarter-final win over van Gerwen and added: "It was the best performance of my life. I felt so good on that stage and it would be awesome to repeat that.
 
"I'm looking forward to playing Michael and feeling confident. I will have to play a game like last year against Michael to beat him, otherwise I've got no chance, so I know what I'm up against and it's up to me to do it."
 
Adams said: "Hats off to Kim, he played a great game there and it was a pleasure to play the young man. I've had an immense time and the crowd have been brilliant."
 
Michael Smith also won through to the quarter-finals for a second successive year as he hit a stunning nine 180s in his 10-7 defeat of Dave Chisnall in a clash of the St Helens rivals.
 
Chisnall, who landed a nine-dart finish on Sunday, took out finishes of 170 and 106 as he shared the opening eight legs, but Smith crucially won four of the next five to pull clear to 8-5.
 
Chisnall finished 61 and 63 to pull back to 9-7, but tops for Smith sealed an impressive win with a 104.59 average as he bids to claim a first major ranking title.
 
"I want to show what I can do on TV and I think I showed it in a way then," said Smith. "In my first three games my scoring wasn't there but I finished well, and today I scored well but didn't quite finish like I wanted to.
 
"If I can put that all into one then I can win this tournament. The belief is coming back now that I'm scoring well.
 
"Chizzy is one of the best players in the world and I'm glad to beat someone like him, who's not only a good friend who helped me along with darts as a kid but he's also an idol of mine as well and a really good darts player.
 
"I didn't feel under pressure and I kept my focus."
 
Smith now takes on Adrian Lewis, who was in superb finishing form as he took out ten doubles from 16 attempts to defeat Peter Wright 10-7 in an entertaining contest.
 
Wright twice took out 76 as he established an early 2-0 lead before Lewis, aided by a 121 checkout, hit back to move 4-3 up.
 
Wright levelled with an 11-darter, but back-to-back 14-dart legs saw Lewis edge into a lead he would never lose as he maintained his advantage before sealing the win with a 130 checkout for a 12-darter.
 
"I thought it was a great game," said Lewis. "Peter said after his previous match that I was going to crumble against him but a two-time World Champion doesn't do that and he did.
 
"I think my finishing was fantastic. My scoring wasn't fantastic but it was when it needed to be.
 
"Peter should have been 3-0 up and he missed a couple of doubles and let me in a couple of times and I took my chance.
 
"I've always found the group stage difficult, it's more of a sprint, but coming into a longer distance is more of my format and I'm looking forward to the quarter-finals. I'm in for a really tough game and I'm up for it."
 
The quarter-finals kick off on Friday night, with reigning champion Phil Taylor up against Robert Thornton and 2012 winner Raymond van Barneveld facing Mark Webster.
 
SINGHA Beer Grand Slam of Darts
Thursday November 12
Second Round
Michael Smith 10-7 Dave Chisnall
Michael van Gerwen 10-2 Steve Beaton
Peter Wright 7-10 Adrian Lewis
Martin Adams 9-10 Kim Huybrechts
 
Friday November 13 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals
Mark Webster v Raymond van Barneveld
Robert Thornton v Phil Taylor
Best of 31 legs
 
Saturday November 14 (7pm)
Quarter-Finals
Michael Smith v Adrian Lewis
Michael van Gerwen v Kim Huybrechts
Best of 31 legs
 
MATCH INFORMATION
Michael Smith v Dave Chisnall
1-0 - Both players land early 180s before Smith lands double ten to win the opening leg.
1-1 - Smith hits another maximum but misses his chance to break throw as Chisnall takes out 74 on tops.
2-1 - Smith lands his third 180 of the game before finishing 68 on tops to edge back in front.
2-2 - Chisnall takes out 78 on tops as the trading of legs continues.
3-2 - Smith hits a fourth 180 - doubling his tally for the tournament - before double 12 gives him a third leg.
3-3 - Smith fires in another maximum, but Chisnall takes out a sensational 170 checkout to hit back.
4-3 - Chisnall misses the bull for a 164 finish and misses two further doubles to allow Smith back on double five to avoid a possible break.
4-4 - Chisnall takes out 106 on double 18 to level.
5-4 - Double nine edges Smith back ahead.
6-4 - Smith claims the game's first break of throw, hitting a 180 and double five.
6-5 - Both players land 180s before Chisnall finishes 79 with two double 18s to break back.
7-5 - Smith hits a 180 and double 11 to break throw again.
8-5 - Tops sees Smith move three legs clear for the first time.
8-6 - Smith hits his ninth 180 but misses four darts at doubles, allowing Chisnall to finish 61 on double 18.
9-6 - Smith finishes 62 on double ten to move a leg away from the win.
9-7 - Smith misses double 16 to finish a superb 132 checkout - initially hitting the two bulls - to allow Chisnall in to follow a maximum with a 63 checkout.
10-7 - Chisnall hits a fourth 180, but Smith lands tops to reach the quarter-finals in Wolverhampton for a second successive year.
 
Michael van Gerwen v Steve Beaton
1-0 - van Gerwen lands a 180 as he claims an immediate break of throw.
2-0 - The Dutchman lands another maximum as he claims a second leg.
3-0 - Both players hit 180s, but Beaton's miss at tops is punished by van Gerwen, who takes out 124.
4-0 - Beaton lands a 180 but van Gerwen finishes 64 on double eight to win his fourth leg.
5-0 - Beaton misses the bull for a 124 finish, and van Gerwen hits tops to claim his fifth leg, averaging 105.85 after five superb legs.
6-0 - Tops sees van Gerwen claim a sixth successive leg.
6-1 - Beaton finishes 116 on tops to claim his first leg of the game.
7-1 - van Gerwen hits a 180 and tops to regain his cushion.
7-2 - van Gerwen lands a 174 score, but misses four darts at doubles for the leg as Beaton returns on tops.
8-2 - Double ten sees van Gerwen move two legs away from the win, taking his average to 107 in-running.
9-2 - van Gerwen opens with a 177 and finishes double four to edge towards the quarter-finals.
10-2 - The world number one seals a last eight spot with the aid of a fifth 180 and an 88 finish.
 
Peter Wright v Adrian Lewis
1-0 - Wright takes out 76 to claim the opening leg.
2-0 - Wright hits a 180 before finish 76 on double eight to win the second leg.
2-1 - Two misses from Wright allow Lewis in to finish double 15 to get off the mark.
2-2 - Lewis takes out a fine 121 checkout to level.
3-2 - Wright scores 170 during the leg before hitting double four to regain the edge.
3-3 - Wright fires in a 180 but misses four darts at double 18 for a break of throw to allow Lewis in on tops to level.
3-4 - The pair trade 180s before Three further misses from Wright allow Lewis to hit double ten for the all-important break as he leads for the first time.
4-4 - Both players again land maximums before Wright fires in another 180 and double 16 for an 11-dart finish.
4-5 - Lewis fires in a 180, and when Wright misses two further doubles the Stoke ace steps in to finish 72 for a 14-darter to break again.
4-6 - Wright lands a maximum, but Lewis finishes tops for another 14-dart leg as he opens up a two-leg lead.
5-6 - Double 16 sees Wright hit back.
5-7 - Wright misses the bull to finish 164 to level, and Lewis finishes tops to edge away again.
5-8 - Lewis opens up a three-leg lead, hitting a 180 and tops to punish another miss from Wright.
6-8 - Tops sees Wright respond, despite another 180 from Lewis.
6-9 - Lewis lands tops to move a leg away from the win.
7-9 - Wright hits two 180s in a superb 12-darter to keep his hopes alive.
7-10 - Lewis seals victory in style, hitting a 177 score before finishing 130 on double eight to complete a 12-darter to book his semi-final spot.
 
Martin Adams v Kim Huybrechts
1-0 - Huybrechts allows Adams a let-off by missing a single 18 to leave the bull, as the three-time Lakeside Champion hits double one to claim the opener.
2-0 - Adams hits two 180s in a superb 12-darter to double his lead.
2-1 - Tops sees Huybrechts claim his first leg of the game.
3-1 - Huybrechts opens with two 180s to set up a possible nine-dart finish, but misses out on a perfect leg and then misses double 12 and six, allowing Adams in on tops.
3-2 - Huybrechts takes out 64 on double eight to respond.
3-3 - Double eight sees the Belgian break throw to level.
3-4 - Huybrechts finishes a 13-darter on double 18.
3-5 - Adams is off-target on double 16 and double eight, allowing Huybrechts to break throw again with a two-dart 76 checkout.
3-6 - Tops sees Huybrechts win a fifth straight leg.
4-6 - Adams finishes a two-dart 76 combination to hit back.
5-6 - Huybrechts hits a 180, but misses two doubles to extend his lead as Adams posts double 16 to continue his revival.
6-6 - Adams takes out 78 on double 12 to level the contest.
6-7 - Double 16 sees Huybrechts edge back in front.
7-7 - Adams responds to a bounce-out with his opening dart by finishing 92 on double 16.
7-8 - The Belgian takes out 79 on double 11 to move two legs away from the win.
7-9 - Huybrechts fires in a 180 to leave 70 before finishing the combination on double 16 to close in on a quarter-final spot.
8-9 - Huybrechts hits his fifth 180, but is unable to take out 115 as Adams steps in to finish double 19 and break back.
9-9 - The pair trade 180s before Huybrechts wires double ten for a 128 checkout to claim victory, as Adams takes out 76 on tops to send the match into a decider.
9-10 - Huybrechts seals victory by hitting tops to complete a superb 13-darter, with Adams left waiting on 80.