GARY ANDERSON'S challenge for his first major PDC title continued as he defeated Kevin Painter 8-6 to reach the quarter-finals of the Players Championship Finals on Saturday afternoon, alongside Andy Smith, Steve Farmer and Colin Lloyd.
Anderson produced a second successive ton-plus average at the Doncaster Dome, and also hit finishes of 142 and 122 in progressing past Painter.
The Scot, who reached the World Championship final a month ago, will now meet Andy Smith in Sunday's quarter-finals, as he bids to win three matches on the day to take the £60,000 title.
Smith followed up his superb display of finishing to defeat Ronnie Baxter in round one with another clinical performance in defeating Jamie Caven 8-4.
Saturday afternoon's other winners were Colin Lloyd and Steve Farmer, who came from 4-0 down to take an 8-6 win against Colin Osborne, who included early finishes of 150 and 138 to take command but failed to maintain the momentum.
Lloyd, meanwhile, overcame local favourite Dennis Priestley 8-3 to win through to the last eight for the third successive year of the event.
The second round will continue on Saturday evening, with Wes Newton playing Mark Webster, Simon Whitlock taking on Mervyn King, Terry Jenkins playing Steve Beaton and Phil Taylor facing James Wade - coverage is live via www.pdc.tv.
Tickets for the Players Championship Finals are still available, priced at £20 and £25, by calling 01302 370777 or in person at The Dome's Box Office
Players Championship Finals
Saturday February 5
Second Round
Afternoon Session
Jamie Caven 4-8 Andy Smith
Steve Farmer 8-6 Colin Osborne
Gary Anderson 8-5 Kevin Painter
Colin Lloyd 8-3 Dennis Priestley
Evening Session - 7pm start
Wes Newton v Mark Webster
Simon Whitlock v Mervyn King
Terry Jenkins v Steve Beaton
Phil Taylor v James Wade
Best of 15 legs
CLICK HERE FOR MATCH REPORTS
Coverage of the four-day tournament is exclusively live for subscribers to PDCtv at the PDC's official website.
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