Phil Taylor came from a set down to defeat Dutch youngster Jerry Hendriks in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship last night, as Robert Thornton knocked out Paul Nicholson in a sudden-death leg at Alexandra Palace.
Taylor, the 15-time World Champion, erased the memory of his defeat to Dave Chisnall at the same stage last year by seeing off debutant Hendriks, although it was not plain sailing for the world number one.
Hendriks, who knocked out Wayne Jones in the first round, took the game’s first set 3-1 but was unable to answer Taylor’s reply, as the Stoke star took 12 successive legs to sweep to victory.
“I’m through but I’m not happy with my performance because I’m not consistent enough,” admitted Taylor.
“I can remember when it was my first World Championship, and the more he tried, the more he struggled – and the more it put me off, and it was hard work.”
Taylor will now play Robert Thornton in the third round on Sunday night, after the UK Open champion defeated Paul Nicholson in a sudden-death leg to end a seven-set thriller which lasted for almost two hours.
Nicholson led 1-0 and 2-1 before Thornton edged the fourth set with a 130 checkout and took the fifth to lead for the first time in the game, but was punished for missing four darts to win the game in the sixth set as the former Players Championship Finals winner levelled.
Nicholson then led 4-3 in the seventh set, but Thornton saved the match with a 130 checkout and the pair shared the next two to force a sudden-death leg, which the Scot took on double ten for a famous victory.
“I’m completely shattered after that but I’m just delighted to have got the win after I very nearly threw it away,” said Thornton, who hit four ton-plus checkouts and 13 maximums in the game.
“I felt absolutely sick after missing all those chances to win 4-2 and it was a tough blow to overcome, but I managed to do it and to be still involved is a great feeling.”
Terry Jenkins was the night’s other winner as he claimed an impressive 4-1 win over three-time World Champion John Part, hitting six 180s and three ton-plus checkouts.
“I felt very comfortable all the way through that match,” said Jenkins, who averaged 98.18. “I’m very pleased with the way I played, and particularly with my finishing.
“I knew that area of my game had to be good tonight because John usually takes the chances that are given to him. I’m feeling very confident at the moment and I feel my game is in good shape for another good run this year.”
Jenkins now plays Andy Hamilton in the third round on Sunday, after the 2012 runner-up came from a set down to defeat Richie Burnett 4-1 in their last 32 clash.
Gary Anderson and Dave Chisnall also booked their places in the third round on Friday afternoon in heavy-scoring contests against debutants John Bowles and Daryl Gurney.
Anderson hit a stunning 19 maximums – a record for a game outside of the World Championship final – in his 4-3 win over Bowles, a former rugby league player who only turned professional in January.
Bowles missed a match dart at double top on three separate occasions in another thriller, before Anderson, the 2011 finalist, edged the deciding set 6-4.
Chisnall, meanwhile, was outscored for 180s by Northern Irish newcomer Gurney by 11 to ten in their contest, but emerged a 4-1 winner in a game which was closer than the scoreline suggested.