Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor defeated Deta Hedman 8-4 to progress to the 1/4 Finals of the JenningsBet World Seniors Matchplay.
The 16 time World Champion was below his best as he battled past The Heart of Darts in the final match of the session. John Part or Peter Manley now await on Sunday for Taylor.
The pair went to the television interval locked in at 3-3, but Taylor found an extra level once the players returned, winning 5 of the next 6 legs to seal the contest.
Hedman had earlier defeated Trina Gulliver in the night’s opening match. The Heart of Darts renewed her long standing rivalry at the top of the ladies game with Gulliver, the two most successful female players of all time.
Hedman hit the interval 4-2 in front. Trina struggled throughout to find her consistency on the treble 20 bed.
The pair traded holds of throw once they returned to the stage, but ultimately the damage had been done, with Gulliver unable to find the necessary break to turn the match back in her favour.
Colin McGarry Impresses on Debut.
The Northern Irishman, playing TV darts for the first time since the 2013/14 World Championship, defeated Keith Deller 8-3 in the preliminary round.
Back to back finishes of 117 and 118 gave The Chief the early advantage, however Deller hit back, threatening to level heading into the interval. A nervy 6th leg went the way of McGarry, who never looked back on his return to the stage. A superb 121 checkout on the Bull wrapped up the victory.
Painter brushes past Lowe
Kevin Painter breezed past John Lowe to book his spot in the last 8. The Artist, a semi-finalist at the Circus Tavern for the World Seniors Darts Championship, threw away a 3-1 set lead at the Lakeside just a few weeks ago to eventual champion David Cameron.
The Englishman will be thankful for a better result, which now sets him up for a run at the title, given his status as one of the favourites.
The early part of the match set the tone. John Lowe missed darts to level at 1-1, and Painter punished with a superb 140 checkout.
Lowe would go on to miss several attempts at the outer ring throughout the contest which proved ultimately to be his downfall.
Colin McGarry or Peter Evison await on Sunday for Painter.
RESULTS
Deta Hedman 8-5 Trina Gulliver (Prelim)
Keith Deller 3-8 Colin McGarry (Prelim)
John Lowe 0-8 Kevin Painter (Last 16)
Phil Taylor 8-4 Deta Hedman (Last 16)
Saturday Afternoon 1pm
Brian Dawson vs Tony O’Shea (Prelim)
Paul Hogan vs Lisa Ashton (Prelim)
Peter Manley vs John Part (Last 16)
Colin McGarry vs Peter Evison (Last 16)
—–Ends—–
Images: Chris Sargeant and WSDT
