Taylor Powers through
Darts legend Phil Taylor powered into the quarter-finals of the Skybet World Grand Prix in Dublin tonight with an emphatic victory over Andy Jenkins.
The 12-time world champion, whose quest for Grand Slam glory was ended by John Part at the Stan James World Matchplay in July, looked nervous during his first-round win over Irish qualifier Joe Collins on Tuesday night.
But he fired out a warning to his rivals for the title with a 3-0 win over world number nine Jenkins, closing out the match with double two.
Taylor scored heavily at the start of the contest, registering two 180s in a one-sided opening set.
Jenkins showed what he is capable of with a 101 checkout in the second – but Taylor responded with double five and two to take it.
Taylor, 45, strengthened his position with another maximum at the start of the third set, and he reeled off the next two legs to progress.
“A couple of times I missed getting in (double-start format) and then I hit a big shot the next time,” said Taylor. “But Andy missed that crucial double at the wrong time which let me in.
“Tomorrow’s another day and I can relax a bit now because I’ve got a bigger format (best of seven sets). I’m just going to enjoy it – I’ve got nothing to prove to anyone.
“This tournament is so difficult and if you can win this you have a good chance of winning the World Championship. This is the one I really want to win now.”
