REIGNING champion Michael van Gerwen crashed out of the Cash Converters Players Championship Finals with a second round defeat to Terry Jenkins at the Butlins Minehead Resort on Saturday, as Phil Taylor continued his bid to win the title for a fourth time.
World number one van Gerwen had defeated Taylor to claim last year's title in Minehead and had opened his defence with a superb win over Raymond van Barneveld on Friday night.
However, he was outplayed by nine-time major finalist Jenkins in the last 16 as the 51-year-old avenged October's loss to the Dutchman in the European Championship final.
Van Gerwen had hit back from an early 2-0 deficit to draw level and shared the next four legs before Jenkins, aided by finishes of 71, 97 and a 13-darter, took four of the next five to move 8-5 up.
World Champion van Gerwen cut the gap to 9-7, but Jenkins fired in his sixth 180 before taking out 84 on double 11 to seal the win and move through to a quarter-final with Wes Newton.
"In the European Championship final I let Michael get ahead of me, and that's when he relaxes so this time I wanted to get ahead," said Jenkins. "I punished him every time he slipped up and I kept the pressure on him.
"It's a brilliant feeling for me but I know the next game will be just as hard, so I can't get carried away. Wes isn't an easy player to beat, but I'm looking forward to it."
Jenkins now meets Wes Newton in the quarter-finals, after the Fleetwood ace continued his return to form with a 10-5 defeat of Brendan Dolan.
The game's opening half proved even as Dolan - aided by two 13-darters - held a slender 4-3 advantage before Newton embarked on a run of six successive legs to push clear, landing a pair of 13-dart legs of his own in moving 9-4 up.
Dolan finished 67 to hit back, but that was bettered by a 68 checkout as Newton moved through to the last eight of the Players Championship Finals for a second successive year.
"I've had two good games against players who are very hard to beat so I'm really happy," said Newton. "It's always a hard game against Brendan and, like Justin Pipe yesterday, he's a slower player but you've got to deal with it.
"I've struggled with the pace in the past because I prefer to play a quick player, but I had to get my head down and get the job done and I've done that again today.
"Brendan didn't play as well as he can do, but I ground the win out and I'm happy to be in the quarter-finals.
"I've had a really tough year, I struggled after the Premier League and I've had a bad three or four months but I've made a few changes and hopefully things are coming right for me at the right time."
Three-time Players Championship Finals winner Taylor continued his challenge to win back the title with a high-quality 10-7 win over Mervyn King - but was left to rue a missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish during the contest.
After Taylor established an early 3-1 lead with a break of throw in leg four, King was never able to level despite pulling back to 3-2 and 4-3.
Tops saw Taylor break again in leg eight before he opened the ninth with two 180s, before adding a seventh treble 20 and a treble 19 to keep alive his hopes of a nine-darter, only to see his dart at double 12 for the perfect leg land just inside the double 12.
He returned to finish double six for a 12-darter as he moved 6-3 up, and after King hit back on tops another two legs edged Taylor into an 8-4 advantage.
King won three of the next four to keep alive his hopes at 9-7, but Taylor opened the next with scores of 177 and 140 before taking out 84 on the bull to seal victory with an average of 103.06.
"I thought it was a good game and Mervyn stuck in really well - I couldn't shake him off," said Taylor. "He was putting me under pressure and had some brilliant finishing.
"I know I've got to sharpen up a bit for Sunday but I feel good and I'm enjoying myself. Every round now is like a final and it's exciting."
Taylor added: "I didn't feel nervous on the nine-darter and I threw the dart well at double 12, but it just dipped at the end. It would have been great to hit it, but it wasn't to be this time."
Taylor will take on Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals after the number one seed defeated Stephen Bunting 10-5, averaging almost 103 in a high-quality victory.
Bunting took out 80 and 112 to claim the first two legs and also led 3-1 before Anderson hit top gear to reel off seven straight legs in turning the game around.
The Scot's run began with a 70 finish and a 12-darter before he landed back-to-back 14-dart finishes to move 5-3 up, and when Bunting followed two 180s with five missed doubles in the ninth, Anderson took a three-leg cushion.
He also finished 130 and double five to move into an 8-3 lead, with Bunting's 13-dart leg in reply bettered by an 11-dart finish from Anderson, and though he missed one match dart in the next leg he regained his composure to seal the win in 14 darts.
"That was a harder game than the scoreline suggests so I'm very pleased to come through it," said Anderson. "It was a good game and we both enjoyed it, and I came back well after Stephen got ahead.
"I've been enjoying my darts all year and I'm looking forward to playing Phil. It's always an honour sharing the stage with him because he's the best player ever to have played the game, but he's got a different Gary on his hands tomorrow."
Vincent van der Voort won through to the last eight for the first time in the event with a 10-5 win over Peter Wright in Saturday evening's other clash.
The Dutchman had been superb in his first round whitewash of Andy Hamilton, and hit back from 3-1 and 5-3 down to see off the World Championship finalist.
Wright had hit three 14-dart legs as he took the early lead and - after van der Voort took out legs of 13 and 14 darts - another 14-darter helped him edge back two legs clear.
Van der Voort, though, found another gear as he reeled off the next seven legs without reply in a run which included two 13-dart legs, a 12-darter and an 11-darter to break throw as he progressed to a quarter-final with Dean Winstanley.
"From five-all I thought I played really well, but it was hard work," said the Dutchman. "At the beginning I was trying to keep up with Peter but my game came together well.
"I'll take it one game at a time on Sunday and Dean will be a different game to this, but hopefully I can play like I have been doing."
Winstanley won through to his first televised ranking quarter-final on the PDC circuit as he followed a victory over Simon Whitlock on Friday with a 10-5 defeat of Jelle Klaasen.
Klaasen had been in inspired form to defeat James Wade with a 108 average in their opener, but paid the price for 22 missed doubles as Winstanley progressed to the last eight.
Klaasen had held an early 2-1 lead, but Winstanley levelled with a 104 finish as he began a run which saw him claim seven of the next eight legs to move into an 8-3 advantage.
Klaasen won two of the next three to pull back to 9-5, but Winstanley followed up a 100 checkout in leg 13 by landing his fifth 180 of the game before sealing victory on double four.
"It feels fantastic to be in the quarter-finals," said Winstanley. "It's my debut in this tournament and I'm very proud to have got through two rounds.
"I believe that I can match it with the best and I'm going to give it my best shot on Sunday, and I've got a good feeling at the moment. If I can get a little bit more consistency in my game I'll be alright."
Sunday's other quarter-final will see Adrian Lewis take on Jamie Caven as Finals Day at the £300,000 tournament begins.
Lewis, March's UK Open champion on his last visit to the Somerset resort, followed up Friday's superb opening win over Dave Chisnall by powering past Smith with another heavy-scoring performance.
After sharing the game's opening two legs, the world number three claimed six successive legs - all in 15 darts or less - as he pulled clear to lead 7-1, with the run including a 121 finish for a 12-darter and three 180s.
Smith hit back by taking out tops for a 13-darter and 100 for a 14-dart finish as he pulled back to 7-3, but missed doubles in the next allowed Lewis to edge away before he finished double three and double ten to move into the last eight.
Lewis now takes on Caven in Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals, and said: "I showed a bit of class today but I feel like I've got a couple of extra gears to go yet so that's fantastic for me.
"I thought it was a professional performance, and every time Andy hit back I responded with something, and as long as I keep doing that then I've got a chance.
"It's going to be a tough game against Jamie Caven in the quarter-finals because he's been playing some fantastic darts, but I'll be ready."
Caven booked his place in the last eight by the narrowest of margins as he edged out Robert Thornton 10-9 in a thriller which saw the Scot miss double 12 for a nine-dart finish before coming from 9-4 down to force a deciding leg.
After Derby's Caven won the opening leg, Thornton hit back in style by opening the second leg with two 180s to set up a possible nine-darter.
Needing 141, he hit another treble 20 and treble 19 only to wire the double 12 - seeing a £5,000 bonus slip away by the narrowest of margins.
Although Thornton took the leg in 12 darts, Caven won the next three to take charge at 4-1 before the Ayrshire ace hit back with two more 12-dart finishes as he won three of the next five to pull back to 6-4, taking out 140 and 121 in the process.
Caven finished 64, 102 and double ten to move to the brink of victory at 9-4, only to see battling Thornton keep his hopes alive with a 13-darter.
He then finished 78, 81 and 70 to continue the fightback as Caven missed three match darts, and Thornton sent the game into the deciding 19th leg by landing double ten.
Thornton's doubling, though, deserted him at the crucial point when he saw his dart for the match at tops to complete a 120 finish land in the single one, allowing Caven to step in and finish 81 on the bull to edge through.
Caven had seen Simon Whitlock come from 9-3 down to in 10-9 in the 2013 European Championship, and admitted that he was prepared for lightning to strike twice as Thornton mounted his charge.
"I was starting to feel the pressure so it's a massive relief to win the match," said Caven. "That game against Simon probably helped me, because if I hadn't have experienced it before I'd have lost this match.
"Robert was superb when he came back and his finishing was great, and it was deja vu for me because I thought I'd lost it at the end. When Robert missed the tops I had my chance and luckily enough for me the bull went in."
Thornton admitted: "It would have been nice to have completed the comeback but it wasn't to be. I left myself too much work to do, but hats off to Jamie because he was superb.
"I've not done a nine-darter the conventional way on TV yet - the World Grand Prix was a double-start - and I'd like to do one, but the double 12 was on the wrong side of the wire this time."
On The Wire - Episode Two, Saturday November 29
Dan Dawson with Alan Warriner-Little, ITV4 expert & former World Grand Prix winner
Featuring second round review, Angry Darts, Subliminal Messages and reaction from Jamie Caven & Terry Jenkins
Watch Live!
Live Coverage of the Cash Converters Players Championship through the following broadcasters:
ITV4 - UK
RTL7 - Netherlands
Setanta - Ireland
Fox Sports - Australia
Sky - New Zealand
OSN - Middle East & North Africa
www.LIVEPDC.TV for International Pass Subscribers outside of UK, Ireland & Holland
Live Scores
Follow live scores online throughout the event at the PDC Live Scores Website - http://live.dartsdata.com .
Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Second Round
Saturday November 29
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Jamie Caven 10-9 Robert Thornton
Wes Newton 10-5 Brendan Dolan
Adrian Lewis 10-3 Andy Smith
Dean Winstanley 10-5 Jelle Klaasen
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Vincent van der Voort 10-5 Peter Wright
Terry Jenkins 10-7 Michael van Gerwen
Phil Taylor 10-7 Mervyn King
Gary Anderson 10-5 Stephen Bunting
All Second Round games are the best of 19 legs
MATCH INFORMATION
AFTERNOON SESSION
Jamie Caven 10-9 Robert Thornton
0-1: Scrappy start from both players as Caven eventually takes out 15 on double two to hold throw in the opening leg.
1-1: Thornton hits back in style though as he misses double 12 for a nine-dart leg before eventually hitting double six.
1-2: Caven takes out 81 on the bullseye as both players begin to find their form.
1-3: Caven misses double 18 to break but Thornton fails to take out 40 and Jabba returns to seal the leg.
1-4: Caven continues his charge as he takes out 64 on tops to take a third straight leg before the first break.
2-4: Thornton holds throw as he hits double ten to reduce the deficit to two legs.
2-5: Caven hits his first maximum of the game before taking out 47 on tops.
3-5: Thornton fires in his fourth 180 of the game before hitting double ten for a 12-dart leg.
3-6: Double five for Caven as he regains his three leg advantage.
4-6: Another 12-dart leg for Thornton as he begins the leg with five perfect darts before taking out 121.
4-7: Caven takes out 64 on tops to hold throw.
4-8: Caven breaks as he takes out 102 on double 16 to move two legs away from the quarter-finals.
4-9: A comfortable hold of throw for Caven as he lands double ten.
5-9: Both players hit maximums before Thornton hits double 12 to hold throw with a 13-dart leg.
6-9: Caven misses the bull for the match and Thornton returns to take out 78 on double 12 to break the throw.
7-9: A seventh 180 of the game for Thornton before he takes out 81 on double 12 for a 12-dart leg.
8-9: Caven misses two more darts for the match and Thornton punishes again taking out 70 on tops to break again.
9-9: Thornton takes out 40 on double ten with his final dart to take the game into a decider.
9-10: Thornton misses tops for the match and Caven finishes it of taking out 81 on the bullseye.
Match Stats
Wes Newton 10-5 Brendan Dolan
1-0: A break for Dolan in the opening leg as he takes out 62 on double 16.
1-1: Newton breaks straight back though as he takes out eight on double two.
1-2: Newton takes out 68 on double four and moves into the lead.
2-2: Tops for Dolan as he holds throw and levels the game.
2-3: Dolan misses double 16 for a 102 checkout to break and Newton takes out 40 on double ten to hold.
3-3: Dolan breaks back after the break and draws himself level again.
4-3: Dolan moves into the lead as he takes out 76 on double eight.
4-4: First maximum of the match for Newton before he hits tops to break after Dolan had missed double 20 for a 147 checkout
4-5: Tops again for Newton as he moves back into the lead.
4-6: Third straight leg for Newton as he takes out 20 on double five to break before the second break.
4-7: Newton misses double 18 for a 121 but is allowed to return and hits double nine to move three legs in front.
4-8: Fifth straight leg for Newton as he takes out 80 on double ten.
4-9: Dolan misses several darts at double to hold throw and Newton steps in to land double three and move one leg away from the win.
5-9: 67 checkout on double four for Dolan as he secures his first leg in six.
5-10: Dolan's joy is short-lived though as Newton takes out 68 on double 16 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Match Stats
Adrian Lewis 10-3 Andy Smith
0-1: Lewis fires in the first 180 of the game before hitting tops to break Smith's throw in the opening leg.
1-1: Lewis misses the bull for a 170 checkout and Smith takes out 66 on double nine to break straight back.
1-2: Tops for Lewis as he breaks again and moves ahead.
1-3: First hold of throw as Lewis takes out 70 on double eight.
1-4: Second maximum of the game for Lewis as he sets up a 28 finish which he takes out.
1-5: Lewis opens up with a maximum before taking out 24 on double six.
1-6: Lewis turns on the style as he takes out 121 on the bull to seal his fifth straight leg.
1-7: Fourth maximum of the game for Lewis to open the leg before he takes out 85 on double five.
2-7: Double 16 for Smith as he finally gets his second leg on the board in the game.
3-7: Smith takes out 100 on tops to seal his second straight leg in the match.
3-8: Smith misses three darts at double and Lewis hits double one at the fifth time of asking to move five legs ahead.
3-9: Lewis hits double three to hold throw and move one leg away from victory.
3-10: Lewis misses tops for the match but is allowed to return and hits double ten to seal a comfortable victory.
Match Stats
Dean Winstanley 10-5 Jelle Klaasen
0-1: Klaasen misses three darts at 16 and Winstanley returns to take out 40 to break throw in the first leg.
1-1: Winstanley misses three darts at double ten and Klaasen hits double two to break straight back.
2-1: Klaasen lands double six to hold throw and move into the lead.
2-2: Great response from Winstanley as he takes out 104 on tops.
2-3: Winstanley breaks before the interval and takes the lead for the first time in the match.
2-4: Third straight leg for Winstanley as he takes out 46 on tops.
3-4: Klaasen responds well taking out 72 on double three.
3-5: Tops again for Winstanley, this time for a 44 checkout.
3-6: Winstanley hits his second maximum of the game before taking out nine on double two to break the throw.
3-7: Another 180 for Winstanley as he takes out 25 on double eight after Klaasen had missed double nine to break back.
3-8: More missed doubles for Klaasen before Winstanley hits double six to break again.
4-8: Both players hit 180s before Klaasen takes out 36 on double nine to reduce the deficit.
4-9: 100 checkout on tops for Winstanley as he moves one leg away from the quarter-finals.
5-9: Double 18 for Klaasen as he breaks the Winstanley throw.
5-10: Winstanley wraps up the win after starting with 180, 140, 145.
Match Stats
EVENING SESSION
Vincent van der Voort 10-5 Peter Wright
1-0: Wright starts strongly, hitting the first maximum of the match before taking out 96 on double 14 to break.
2-0: 48 on double 16 for Wright as he holds throw and doubles his advantage.
2-1: Van der Voort gets his first leg on the board as he holds, taking out 70 on double eight.
3-1: Wright takes out 84 on double 12 to regain his two leg lead.
3-2: Van der Voort lands double 16 to head into the first break one leg behind.
3-3: First break of the game for van der Voort as he takes out 32 on double eight for a 13 dart leg.
4-3: Van der Voort misses three darts at double and Wright returns to hit double 16 with his third dart to break.
5-3: Wright hits his second maximum of the game before taking out 72 on double six to move two legs in front.
5-4: Comfortable hold of throw for van der Voort as he lands double 16 with Wright left on 244.
5-5: Van der Voort misses the bull for a 129 checkout but returns to break the throw and level the match.
5-6: Third maximum of the game for van der Voort before he hits double four for a 13 dart leg.
5-7: Another 180 for van der Voort before the Dutchman takes out 85 on double 14 to break and move two legs ahead.
5-8: Fifth straight leg for van der Voort as he takes out 54 on double ten.
5-9: Brilliant leg for van der Voort as he lands double 12 for an 11-darter to break again.
5-10: Both players bust before van der Voort eventually hits double four to seal an impressive 10-5 win.
Match Stats
Terry Jenkins 10-7 Michael van Gerwen
0-1: Great start to the match as Jenkins takes out 18 to hold his throw and take the opening leg.
0-2: van Gerwen misses four darts at double and Jenkins returns to land double one and break the throw.
1-2: Great response from van Gerwen though as he lands double 18 for a 13 dart leg.
2-2: Third 180 of the game for van Gerwen before he takes out 36 on double nine to level the match.
2-3: Jenkins finishes 117 on tops to move back ahead, with van Gerwen waiting on 32.
3-3: van Gerwen takes out 100 as he levels once more.
3-4: van Gerwen lands a 180, only to see Jenkins finish double eight to edge back ahead.
4-4: van Gerwen mistakenly finishes 103 when needing 105 - but returns to hit double one and take the leg.
4-5: Jenkins fires in a maximum and then takes out 71 on double 16 to regain the edge.
4-6: Jenkins hits another 180 before punishing two missed doubles from van Gerwen, for an 80 finish, by taking out 97 for a break of throw.
5-6: van Gerwen misses double five for a 130 checkout but returns to take out five on double two to break back.
5-7: van Gerwen hits back-to-back maximums but misses three darts at double ten and Jenkins lands double 12 to regain his two leg lead.
5-8: Jenkins moves further in front as he hits double four a 13 dart leg.
6-8: van Gerwen misses the bull for a 70 checkout but Jenkins misses tops and van Gerwen returns to hit double eight.
6-9: van Gerwen misses the bull for a 164 finish and Jenkins returns to hit double 16, hold throw and move one leg away from the win.
7-9: Tops for van Gerwen as he holds throw after starting the leg with another 180.
7-10: Jenkins wraps up the win as he shocks the reigning champion.
Match Stats
Phil Taylor 10-7 Mervyn King
0-1: Taylor takes out 93 to take the opening leg.
1-1: King hits back, taking out 64 on double eight.
1-2: 74 checkout for Taylor as he regains his lead.
1-3: Taylor extends his lead to two legs as he takes out 65 on tops.
2-3: King takes out 42 on double eight to head into the break just one leg behind.
2-4: Taylor takes out 48 on double 16 to move two legs ahead again.
3-4: Taylor misses three darts at double to extend his lead and King returns to his double two.
3-5: Tops for Taylor as he hits back and restores his advantage.
3-6: Taylor comes the width of a wire from a nine-darter as he misses double 12 before eventually sealing a 12-dart leg.
4-6: King hits back again, nailing tops to reduce the deficit again.
4-7: 40 checkout on double ten for Taylor as he moves three legs ahead for the second time in the match.
4-8: 68 checkout on double four for Taylor with his third dart as he further extends his advantage.
5-8: After starting off with a maximum, King misses the bull for a 121 finish before taking out 25 on double eight.
6-8: King takes out 78 on double 12 to seal a second straight leg.
6-9: Taylor takes out 76 on double eight to move one leg away from the quarter-finals.
7-9: Taylor misses two darts at double 20 for the match and King returns to take out 60 on tops.
7-10: After starting the leg with a 180 and 140, Taylor takes out 84 on the bull to seal the win with a 12-dart leg.
Match Stats
Gary Anderson 10-5 Stephen Bunting
0-1: Anderson misses double 16 for a 95 checkout and Bunting takes out 80 on tops to break in the first leg.
0-2: Bunting holds his throw in style, taking out 112 on double 16.
1-2: 89 checkout on tops for Anderson as he registers his first leg of the match.
1-3: Bunting fails to take out 112 again but returns to hit tops for a 60 checkout.
2-3: Tops again for Anderson as he takes out 70 to reduce the deficit.
3-3: Anderson fires in his second maximum of the match before taking out 76 on tops for a 12 dart leg.
4-3: Anderson takes out 48 on tops to hold throw and take the lead for the first time in the match.
5-3: Fourth straight leg for Anderson as he takes out 11 on double four.
6-3: Bunting hits back to back 180s but misses five darts at double and Anderson nails double ten to move three legs in front.
7-3: Bunting begins the leg with five perfect darts but can't seal the leg as Anderson punishes and takes out 130 on double five.
8-3: Anderson holds throw as he races ahead in the leg before eventually hitting double five.
8-4: Bunting stops the rot as he hits his fifth 180 of the match and then takes out 32.
9-4: Tops again for Anderson as he takes out 91 and moves one leg away from the quarter-finals.
9-5: Bunting holds throw as he takes out 32 after Anderson had missed double five for a second 130 checkout.
10-5: Anderson wraps up the win, hitting his fourth 180 before taking out 46 on tops for a 14 dart leg.
Match Stats
World number one van Gerwen had defeated Taylor to claim last year's title in Minehead and had opened his defence with a superb win over Raymond van Barneveld on Friday night.
However, he was outplayed by nine-time major finalist Jenkins in the last 16 as the 51-year-old avenged October's loss to the Dutchman in the European Championship final.
Van Gerwen had hit back from an early 2-0 deficit to draw level and shared the next four legs before Jenkins, aided by finishes of 71, 97 and a 13-darter, took four of the next five to move 8-5 up.
World Champion van Gerwen cut the gap to 9-7, but Jenkins fired in his sixth 180 before taking out 84 on double 11 to seal the win and move through to a quarter-final with Wes Newton.
"In the European Championship final I let Michael get ahead of me, and that's when he relaxes so this time I wanted to get ahead," said Jenkins. "I punished him every time he slipped up and I kept the pressure on him.
"It's a brilliant feeling for me but I know the next game will be just as hard, so I can't get carried away. Wes isn't an easy player to beat, but I'm looking forward to it."
Jenkins now meets Wes Newton in the quarter-finals, after the Fleetwood ace continued his return to form with a 10-5 defeat of Brendan Dolan.
The game's opening half proved even as Dolan - aided by two 13-darters - held a slender 4-3 advantage before Newton embarked on a run of six successive legs to push clear, landing a pair of 13-dart legs of his own in moving 9-4 up.
Dolan finished 67 to hit back, but that was bettered by a 68 checkout as Newton moved through to the last eight of the Players Championship Finals for a second successive year.
"I've had two good games against players who are very hard to beat so I'm really happy," said Newton. "It's always a hard game against Brendan and, like Justin Pipe yesterday, he's a slower player but you've got to deal with it.
"I've struggled with the pace in the past because I prefer to play a quick player, but I had to get my head down and get the job done and I've done that again today.
"Brendan didn't play as well as he can do, but I ground the win out and I'm happy to be in the quarter-finals.
"I've had a really tough year, I struggled after the Premier League and I've had a bad three or four months but I've made a few changes and hopefully things are coming right for me at the right time."
Three-time Players Championship Finals winner Taylor continued his challenge to win back the title with a high-quality 10-7 win over Mervyn King - but was left to rue a missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish during the contest.
After Taylor established an early 3-1 lead with a break of throw in leg four, King was never able to level despite pulling back to 3-2 and 4-3.
Tops saw Taylor break again in leg eight before he opened the ninth with two 180s, before adding a seventh treble 20 and a treble 19 to keep alive his hopes of a nine-darter, only to see his dart at double 12 for the perfect leg land just inside the double 12.
He returned to finish double six for a 12-darter as he moved 6-3 up, and after King hit back on tops another two legs edged Taylor into an 8-4 advantage.
King won three of the next four to keep alive his hopes at 9-7, but Taylor opened the next with scores of 177 and 140 before taking out 84 on the bull to seal victory with an average of 103.06.
"I thought it was a good game and Mervyn stuck in really well - I couldn't shake him off," said Taylor. "He was putting me under pressure and had some brilliant finishing.
"I know I've got to sharpen up a bit for Sunday but I feel good and I'm enjoying myself. Every round now is like a final and it's exciting."
Taylor added: "I didn't feel nervous on the nine-darter and I threw the dart well at double 12, but it just dipped at the end. It would have been great to hit it, but it wasn't to be this time."
Taylor will take on Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals after the number one seed defeated Stephen Bunting 10-5, averaging almost 103 in a high-quality victory.
Bunting took out 80 and 112 to claim the first two legs and also led 3-1 before Anderson hit top gear to reel off seven straight legs in turning the game around.
The Scot's run began with a 70 finish and a 12-darter before he landed back-to-back 14-dart finishes to move 5-3 up, and when Bunting followed two 180s with five missed doubles in the ninth, Anderson took a three-leg cushion.
He also finished 130 and double five to move into an 8-3 lead, with Bunting's 13-dart leg in reply bettered by an 11-dart finish from Anderson, and though he missed one match dart in the next leg he regained his composure to seal the win in 14 darts.
"That was a harder game than the scoreline suggests so I'm very pleased to come through it," said Anderson. "It was a good game and we both enjoyed it, and I came back well after Stephen got ahead.
"I've been enjoying my darts all year and I'm looking forward to playing Phil. It's always an honour sharing the stage with him because he's the best player ever to have played the game, but he's got a different Gary on his hands tomorrow."
Vincent van der Voort won through to the last eight for the first time in the event with a 10-5 win over Peter Wright in Saturday evening's other clash.
The Dutchman had been superb in his first round whitewash of Andy Hamilton, and hit back from 3-1 and 5-3 down to see off the World Championship finalist.
Wright had hit three 14-dart legs as he took the early lead and - after van der Voort took out legs of 13 and 14 darts - another 14-darter helped him edge back two legs clear.
Van der Voort, though, found another gear as he reeled off the next seven legs without reply in a run which included two 13-dart legs, a 12-darter and an 11-darter to break throw as he progressed to a quarter-final with Dean Winstanley.
"From five-all I thought I played really well, but it was hard work," said the Dutchman. "At the beginning I was trying to keep up with Peter but my game came together well.
"I'll take it one game at a time on Sunday and Dean will be a different game to this, but hopefully I can play like I have been doing."
Winstanley won through to his first televised ranking quarter-final on the PDC circuit as he followed a victory over Simon Whitlock on Friday with a 10-5 defeat of Jelle Klaasen.
Klaasen had been in inspired form to defeat James Wade with a 108 average in their opener, but paid the price for 22 missed doubles as Winstanley progressed to the last eight.
Klaasen had held an early 2-1 lead, but Winstanley levelled with a 104 finish as he began a run which saw him claim seven of the next eight legs to move into an 8-3 advantage.
Klaasen won two of the next three to pull back to 9-5, but Winstanley followed up a 100 checkout in leg 13 by landing his fifth 180 of the game before sealing victory on double four.
"It feels fantastic to be in the quarter-finals," said Winstanley. "It's my debut in this tournament and I'm very proud to have got through two rounds.
"I believe that I can match it with the best and I'm going to give it my best shot on Sunday, and I've got a good feeling at the moment. If I can get a little bit more consistency in my game I'll be alright."
Sunday's other quarter-final will see Adrian Lewis take on Jamie Caven as Finals Day at the £300,000 tournament begins.
Lewis, March's UK Open champion on his last visit to the Somerset resort, followed up Friday's superb opening win over Dave Chisnall by powering past Smith with another heavy-scoring performance.
After sharing the game's opening two legs, the world number three claimed six successive legs - all in 15 darts or less - as he pulled clear to lead 7-1, with the run including a 121 finish for a 12-darter and three 180s.
Smith hit back by taking out tops for a 13-darter and 100 for a 14-dart finish as he pulled back to 7-3, but missed doubles in the next allowed Lewis to edge away before he finished double three and double ten to move into the last eight.
Lewis now takes on Caven in Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals, and said: "I showed a bit of class today but I feel like I've got a couple of extra gears to go yet so that's fantastic for me.
"I thought it was a professional performance, and every time Andy hit back I responded with something, and as long as I keep doing that then I've got a chance.
"It's going to be a tough game against Jamie Caven in the quarter-finals because he's been playing some fantastic darts, but I'll be ready."
Caven booked his place in the last eight by the narrowest of margins as he edged out Robert Thornton 10-9 in a thriller which saw the Scot miss double 12 for a nine-dart finish before coming from 9-4 down to force a deciding leg.
After Derby's Caven won the opening leg, Thornton hit back in style by opening the second leg with two 180s to set up a possible nine-darter.
Needing 141, he hit another treble 20 and treble 19 only to wire the double 12 - seeing a £5,000 bonus slip away by the narrowest of margins.
Although Thornton took the leg in 12 darts, Caven won the next three to take charge at 4-1 before the Ayrshire ace hit back with two more 12-dart finishes as he won three of the next five to pull back to 6-4, taking out 140 and 121 in the process.
Caven finished 64, 102 and double ten to move to the brink of victory at 9-4, only to see battling Thornton keep his hopes alive with a 13-darter.
He then finished 78, 81 and 70 to continue the fightback as Caven missed three match darts, and Thornton sent the game into the deciding 19th leg by landing double ten.
Thornton's doubling, though, deserted him at the crucial point when he saw his dart for the match at tops to complete a 120 finish land in the single one, allowing Caven to step in and finish 81 on the bull to edge through.
Caven had seen Simon Whitlock come from 9-3 down to in 10-9 in the 2013 European Championship, and admitted that he was prepared for lightning to strike twice as Thornton mounted his charge.
"I was starting to feel the pressure so it's a massive relief to win the match," said Caven. "That game against Simon probably helped me, because if I hadn't have experienced it before I'd have lost this match.
"Robert was superb when he came back and his finishing was great, and it was deja vu for me because I thought I'd lost it at the end. When Robert missed the tops I had my chance and luckily enough for me the bull went in."
Thornton admitted: "It would have been nice to have completed the comeback but it wasn't to be. I left myself too much work to do, but hats off to Jamie because he was superb.
"I've not done a nine-darter the conventional way on TV yet - the World Grand Prix was a double-start - and I'd like to do one, but the double 12 was on the wrong side of the wire this time."
On The Wire - Episode Two, Saturday November 29
Dan Dawson with Alan Warriner-Little, ITV4 expert & former World Grand Prix winner
Featuring second round review, Angry Darts, Subliminal Messages and reaction from Jamie Caven & Terry Jenkins
Watch Live!
Live Coverage of the Cash Converters Players Championship through the following broadcasters:
ITV4 - UK
RTL7 - Netherlands
Setanta - Ireland
Fox Sports - Australia
Sky - New Zealand
OSN - Middle East & North Africa
www.LIVEPDC.TV for International Pass Subscribers outside of UK, Ireland & Holland
Live Scores
Follow live scores online throughout the event at the PDC Live Scores Website - http://live.dartsdata.com .
Cash Converters Players Championship Finals
Second Round
Saturday November 29
Afternoon Session (12.45pm-5pm)
Jamie Caven 10-9 Robert Thornton
Wes Newton 10-5 Brendan Dolan
Adrian Lewis 10-3 Andy Smith
Dean Winstanley 10-5 Jelle Klaasen
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Vincent van der Voort 10-5 Peter Wright
Terry Jenkins 10-7 Michael van Gerwen
Phil Taylor 10-7 Mervyn King
Gary Anderson 10-5 Stephen Bunting
All Second Round games are the best of 19 legs
MATCH INFORMATION
AFTERNOON SESSION
Jamie Caven 10-9 Robert Thornton
0-1: Scrappy start from both players as Caven eventually takes out 15 on double two to hold throw in the opening leg.
1-1: Thornton hits back in style though as he misses double 12 for a nine-dart leg before eventually hitting double six.
1-2: Caven takes out 81 on the bullseye as both players begin to find their form.
1-3: Caven misses double 18 to break but Thornton fails to take out 40 and Jabba returns to seal the leg.
1-4: Caven continues his charge as he takes out 64 on tops to take a third straight leg before the first break.
2-4: Thornton holds throw as he hits double ten to reduce the deficit to two legs.
2-5: Caven hits his first maximum of the game before taking out 47 on tops.
3-5: Thornton fires in his fourth 180 of the game before hitting double ten for a 12-dart leg.
3-6: Double five for Caven as he regains his three leg advantage.
4-6: Another 12-dart leg for Thornton as he begins the leg with five perfect darts before taking out 121.
4-7: Caven takes out 64 on tops to hold throw.
4-8: Caven breaks as he takes out 102 on double 16 to move two legs away from the quarter-finals.
4-9: A comfortable hold of throw for Caven as he lands double ten.
5-9: Both players hit maximums before Thornton hits double 12 to hold throw with a 13-dart leg.
6-9: Caven misses the bull for the match and Thornton returns to take out 78 on double 12 to break the throw.
7-9: A seventh 180 of the game for Thornton before he takes out 81 on double 12 for a 12-dart leg.
8-9: Caven misses two more darts for the match and Thornton punishes again taking out 70 on tops to break again.
9-9: Thornton takes out 40 on double ten with his final dart to take the game into a decider.
9-10: Thornton misses tops for the match and Caven finishes it of taking out 81 on the bullseye.
Match Stats
| Robert Thornton | 9-10 | Jamie Caven |
| 22 | 100+ | 21 |
| 13 | 140+ | 14 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 7 | 180 | 2 |
| 95.00 | Average | 91.03 |
| 140 | High Finish | 102 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 2 |
| 9/20 - 45% | Checkout % | 10/20 - 50% |
Wes Newton 10-5 Brendan Dolan
1-0: A break for Dolan in the opening leg as he takes out 62 on double 16.
1-1: Newton breaks straight back though as he takes out eight on double two.
1-2: Newton takes out 68 on double four and moves into the lead.
2-2: Tops for Dolan as he holds throw and levels the game.
2-3: Dolan misses double 16 for a 102 checkout to break and Newton takes out 40 on double ten to hold.
3-3: Dolan breaks back after the break and draws himself level again.
4-3: Dolan moves into the lead as he takes out 76 on double eight.
4-4: First maximum of the match for Newton before he hits tops to break after Dolan had missed double 20 for a 147 checkout
4-5: Tops again for Newton as he moves back into the lead.
4-6: Third straight leg for Newton as he takes out 20 on double five to break before the second break.
4-7: Newton misses double 18 for a 121 but is allowed to return and hits double nine to move three legs in front.
4-8: Fifth straight leg for Newton as he takes out 80 on double ten.
4-9: Dolan misses several darts at double to hold throw and Newton steps in to land double three and move one leg away from the win.
5-9: 67 checkout on double four for Dolan as he secures his first leg in six.
5-10: Dolan's joy is short-lived though as Newton takes out 68 on double 16 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Match Stats
| Brendan Dolan | 5-10 | Wes Newton |
| 21 | 100+ | 15 |
| 7 | 140+ | 14 |
| 1 | 170+ | 1 |
| 5 | 180 | 1 |
| 92.37 | Average | 91.08 |
| 76 | High Finish | 80 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 5/23 - 22% | Checkout % | 10/18 |
Adrian Lewis 10-3 Andy Smith
0-1: Lewis fires in the first 180 of the game before hitting tops to break Smith's throw in the opening leg.
1-1: Lewis misses the bull for a 170 checkout and Smith takes out 66 on double nine to break straight back.
1-2: Tops for Lewis as he breaks again and moves ahead.
1-3: First hold of throw as Lewis takes out 70 on double eight.
1-4: Second maximum of the game for Lewis as he sets up a 28 finish which he takes out.
1-5: Lewis opens up with a maximum before taking out 24 on double six.
1-6: Lewis turns on the style as he takes out 121 on the bull to seal his fifth straight leg.
1-7: Fourth maximum of the game for Lewis to open the leg before he takes out 85 on double five.
2-7: Double 16 for Smith as he finally gets his second leg on the board in the game.
3-7: Smith takes out 100 on tops to seal his second straight leg in the match.
3-8: Smith misses three darts at double and Lewis hits double one at the fifth time of asking to move five legs ahead.
3-9: Lewis hits double three to hold throw and move one leg away from victory.
3-10: Lewis misses tops for the match but is allowed to return and hits double ten to seal a comfortable victory.
Match Stats
| Andy Smith | 3-10 | Adrian Lewis |
| 19 | 100+ | 13 |
| 7 | 140+ | 12 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 5 |
| 92.03 | Average | 99.14 |
| 100 | High Finish | 121 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 3/11 - 27% | Checkout % | 10/26 |
Dean Winstanley 10-5 Jelle Klaasen
0-1: Klaasen misses three darts at 16 and Winstanley returns to take out 40 to break throw in the first leg.
1-1: Winstanley misses three darts at double ten and Klaasen hits double two to break straight back.
2-1: Klaasen lands double six to hold throw and move into the lead.
2-2: Great response from Winstanley as he takes out 104 on tops.
2-3: Winstanley breaks before the interval and takes the lead for the first time in the match.
2-4: Third straight leg for Winstanley as he takes out 46 on tops.
3-4: Klaasen responds well taking out 72 on double three.
3-5: Tops again for Winstanley, this time for a 44 checkout.
3-6: Winstanley hits his second maximum of the game before taking out nine on double two to break the throw.
3-7: Another 180 for Winstanley as he takes out 25 on double eight after Klaasen had missed double nine to break back.
3-8: More missed doubles for Klaasen before Winstanley hits double six to break again.
4-8: Both players hit 180s before Klaasen takes out 36 on double nine to reduce the deficit.
4-9: 100 checkout on tops for Winstanley as he moves one leg away from the quarter-finals.
5-9: Double 18 for Klaasen as he breaks the Winstanley throw.
5-10: Winstanley wraps up the win after starting with 180, 140, 145.
Match Stats
| Jelle Klaasen | 5-10 | Dean Winstanley |
| 19 | 100+ | 18 |
| 3 | 140+ | 16 |
| 0 | 170+ | 0 |
| 3 | 180 | 5 |
| 89.48 | Average | 93.97 |
| 72 | High Finish | 104 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 6 |
| 5/26 - 19% | Checkout % | 10/35 - 29% |
EVENING SESSION
Vincent van der Voort 10-5 Peter Wright
1-0: Wright starts strongly, hitting the first maximum of the match before taking out 96 on double 14 to break.
2-0: 48 on double 16 for Wright as he holds throw and doubles his advantage.
2-1: Van der Voort gets his first leg on the board as he holds, taking out 70 on double eight.
3-1: Wright takes out 84 on double 12 to regain his two leg lead.
3-2: Van der Voort lands double 16 to head into the first break one leg behind.
3-3: First break of the game for van der Voort as he takes out 32 on double eight for a 13 dart leg.
4-3: Van der Voort misses three darts at double and Wright returns to hit double 16 with his third dart to break.
5-3: Wright hits his second maximum of the game before taking out 72 on double six to move two legs in front.
5-4: Comfortable hold of throw for van der Voort as he lands double 16 with Wright left on 244.
5-5: Van der Voort misses the bull for a 129 checkout but returns to break the throw and level the match.
5-6: Third maximum of the game for van der Voort before he hits double four for a 13 dart leg.
5-7: Another 180 for van der Voort before the Dutchman takes out 85 on double 14 to break and move two legs ahead.
5-8: Fifth straight leg for van der Voort as he takes out 54 on double ten.
5-9: Brilliant leg for van der Voort as he lands double 12 for an 11-darter to break again.
5-10: Both players bust before van der Voort eventually hits double four to seal an impressive 10-5 win.
Match Stats
| Peter Wright | 5-10 | Vincent van der Voort |
| 2 | 100+ | 13 |
| 7 | 140+ | 14 |
| 0 | 170+ | 2 |
| 4 | 180 | 4 |
| 94.21 | Average | 98.31 |
| 96 | High Finish | 85 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 5/8 - 63% | Checkout % | 10/26 - 38% |
Terry Jenkins 10-7 Michael van Gerwen
0-1: Great start to the match as Jenkins takes out 18 to hold his throw and take the opening leg.
0-2: van Gerwen misses four darts at double and Jenkins returns to land double one and break the throw.
1-2: Great response from van Gerwen though as he lands double 18 for a 13 dart leg.
2-2: Third 180 of the game for van Gerwen before he takes out 36 on double nine to level the match.
2-3: Jenkins finishes 117 on tops to move back ahead, with van Gerwen waiting on 32.
3-3: van Gerwen takes out 100 as he levels once more.
3-4: van Gerwen lands a 180, only to see Jenkins finish double eight to edge back ahead.
4-4: van Gerwen mistakenly finishes 103 when needing 105 - but returns to hit double one and take the leg.
4-5: Jenkins fires in a maximum and then takes out 71 on double 16 to regain the edge.
4-6: Jenkins hits another 180 before punishing two missed doubles from van Gerwen, for an 80 finish, by taking out 97 for a break of throw.
5-6: van Gerwen misses double five for a 130 checkout but returns to take out five on double two to break back.
5-7: van Gerwen hits back-to-back maximums but misses three darts at double ten and Jenkins lands double 12 to regain his two leg lead.
5-8: Jenkins moves further in front as he hits double four a 13 dart leg.
6-8: van Gerwen misses the bull for a 70 checkout but Jenkins misses tops and van Gerwen returns to hit double eight.
6-9: van Gerwen misses the bull for a 164 finish and Jenkins returns to hit double 16, hold throw and move one leg away from the win.
7-9: Tops for van Gerwen as he holds throw after starting the leg with another 180.
7-10: Jenkins wraps up the win as he shocks the reigning champion.
Match Stats
| Michael van Gerwen | 7-10 | Terry Jenkins |
| 26 | 100+ | 27 |
| 6 | 140+ | 9 |
| 0 | 170+ | 1 |
| 8 | 180 | 6 |
| 95.88 | Average | 97.12 |
| 100 | High Finish | 117 |
| 2 | Breaks of Throw | 3 |
| 7/25 - 28% | Checkout % | 10/22 - 45% |
Phil Taylor 10-7 Mervyn King
0-1: Taylor takes out 93 to take the opening leg.
1-1: King hits back, taking out 64 on double eight.
1-2: 74 checkout for Taylor as he regains his lead.
1-3: Taylor extends his lead to two legs as he takes out 65 on tops.
2-3: King takes out 42 on double eight to head into the break just one leg behind.
2-4: Taylor takes out 48 on double 16 to move two legs ahead again.
3-4: Taylor misses three darts at double to extend his lead and King returns to his double two.
3-5: Tops for Taylor as he hits back and restores his advantage.
3-6: Taylor comes the width of a wire from a nine-darter as he misses double 12 before eventually sealing a 12-dart leg.
4-6: King hits back again, nailing tops to reduce the deficit again.
4-7: 40 checkout on double ten for Taylor as he moves three legs ahead for the second time in the match.
4-8: 68 checkout on double four for Taylor with his third dart as he further extends his advantage.
5-8: After starting off with a maximum, King misses the bull for a 121 finish before taking out 25 on double eight.
6-8: King takes out 78 on double 12 to seal a second straight leg.
6-9: Taylor takes out 76 on double eight to move one leg away from the quarter-finals.
7-9: Taylor misses two darts at double 20 for the match and King returns to take out 60 on tops.
7-10: After starting the leg with a 180 and 140, Taylor takes out 84 on the bull to seal the win with a 12-dart leg.
Match Stats
| Mervyn King | 7-10 | Phil Taylor |
| 26 | 100+ | 22 |
| 12 | 140+ | 11 |
| 0 | 170+ | 4 |
| 4 | 180 | 4 |
| 97.98 | Averages | 103.06 |
| 78 | High Finish | 93 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 4 |
| 7/17 - 41% | Checkout % | 10/26 - 36% |
Gary Anderson 10-5 Stephen Bunting
0-1: Anderson misses double 16 for a 95 checkout and Bunting takes out 80 on tops to break in the first leg.
0-2: Bunting holds his throw in style, taking out 112 on double 16.
1-2: 89 checkout on tops for Anderson as he registers his first leg of the match.
1-3: Bunting fails to take out 112 again but returns to hit tops for a 60 checkout.
2-3: Tops again for Anderson as he takes out 70 to reduce the deficit.
3-3: Anderson fires in his second maximum of the match before taking out 76 on tops for a 12 dart leg.
4-3: Anderson takes out 48 on tops to hold throw and take the lead for the first time in the match.
5-3: Fourth straight leg for Anderson as he takes out 11 on double four.
6-3: Bunting hits back to back 180s but misses five darts at double and Anderson nails double ten to move three legs in front.
7-3: Bunting begins the leg with five perfect darts but can't seal the leg as Anderson punishes and takes out 130 on double five.
8-3: Anderson holds throw as he races ahead in the leg before eventually hitting double five.
8-4: Bunting stops the rot as he hits his fifth 180 of the match and then takes out 32.
9-4: Tops again for Anderson as he takes out 91 and moves one leg away from the quarter-finals.
9-5: Bunting holds throw as he takes out 32 after Anderson had missed double five for a second 130 checkout.
10-5: Anderson wraps up the win, hitting his fourth 180 before taking out 46 on tops for a 14 dart leg.
Match Stats
| Gary Anderson | 10-5 | Stephen Bunting |
| 23 | 100+ | 15 |
| 9 | 140+ | 10 |
| 1 | 170+ | 0 |
| 4 | 180 | 5 |
| 102.98 | Average | 95.97 |
| 130 | High Finish | 112 |
| 3 | Breaks of Throw | 1 |
| 10/17 - 59% | Checkout % | 5/12 - 42% |