Darts: Taylor's form too hot for Burgess

Phil Taylor finished with a three-dart average of 111.21 as he charged his way into the quarter-finals of the Skol World Championship here. The 41-year-old was too good for Shayne Burgess and secured a 6-1 win at the Circus Tavern.

Taylor made a blistering start and produced a clinical 140 check-out – a 12-dart finish – to win the opening leg. 'The Power' then reeled off the next five legs to race into a two-set lead.

The knowledgeable crowd were being treated to a world-class performance by one of the game's top players, and he did not let his form slip. A 167 check-out – the highest of the tournament – gave him the first leg and he added the next two for yet another whitewash.

Burgess, who has struggled with his form over the past 18 months, could not get a foothold as Taylor took the next three legs for a 4-0 sets lead. He sealed the next set, also 3-0, with a 10-dart finish and increased his average to an impressive 115.

But with the end in sight, Taylor's form dipped slightly and Burgess won the first leg of the sixth set, his first in 16 attempts. 'The Bulldog' secured the set by 3-1. But it was business as usual in the next as Taylor wrapped up victory with a shot at double four.

Taylor, describing his win as one of the best of his career, said: "Players like Shayne have been around for a long time and you have got to hit them early. I was nervous in the first couple of sets but then I just relaxed and played my natural game. He got it both barrels."

Dave Askew fought his way to a 6-3 win over Roland Scholten.The Redhill player won the opening set 3-1. Scholten hit back by taking the second set and also edged the next 3-2. But Askew won the next three sets for a two-set advantage.

Scholten pulled a set back but Askew moved within one of victory when he nailed double 16 to edge a crucial set. And the Surrey thrower totally dominated the ninth set, finishing with 74 to clinch a last-eight spot.