Barneveld out as Taylor powers through

World champion Raymond van Barneveld crashed out of the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool as Phil Taylor cruised through to the semi-finals.

The Dutchman was shocked 16-14 by 22-year-old Adrian Lewis in tonight’s quarter-final at the Winter Gardens, in front of a partisan and vocal crowd in favour of his English opponent.

Lewis took five of the last seven legs to claim the win and will now face another precocious youngster, James Wade, in tomorrow’s semi – after he saw off Mervyn King 16-11 in this afternoon’s session.

“By far, that’s the best win of my career,” said Lewis.

“The game took a lot out of me, so I’ll have an early night and be ready for the semi-final.”

Phil Taylor enjoyed an unexpectedly easy time against Roland Scholten, thrashing him 16-1 to seal a miserable day for Holland.

Terry Jenkins awaits him in the penultimate round, after a thrilling 16-13 win over Ronnie Baxter earlier today.