Taylor advances to the fourth round

Thirteen-time world champion Phil Taylor survived an epic tussle with Lancashire's Alan Tabern to advance to the fourth round.

Tabern looked set for a 4-2 win when he needed 116 for the match with his opponent back on 187, but Taylor fired in a superb 171 to leave double eight, which he hit with his third dart to force a deciding set.

Tabern had the advantage of throwing first but missed two darts to go 2-0 ahead and the next two legs went with the throw to leave both players needing to win by two clear legs.

The 41-year-old from St Helens took out a superb 160 finish to lead 3-2 but Taylor came back with a 13-dart leg to level the scores once more.

The next two legs went with the throw before Taylor crucially broke Tabern’s throw to lead 5-4, and the 47-year-old from Stoke then fired in consecutive 180s to help seal a thrilling 4-3 victory.