PHIL TAYLOR'S relentless charge towards a 13th world title continued as he powered past Kevin Painter into the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
The defending champion is now just two wins away from achieving his dream of 13 victories, following a brilliant 5-1 win over Painter at the Circus Tavern.
Taylor hit 12 maximum 180's and averaged over 105.5 per three darts as he blew Painter away.
The 2004 finalist was level at 1-1 before Taylor won 12 out of 13 legs to seal the win, and Painter admitted: "Nobody will stop him in that form."
Taylor now takes on Wayne Mardle in Sunday's semi-finals, and said: "Wayne is playing really well but I'm ready for my 13th title and I won't let it go without a fight."
Mardle produced his own super-show to see off Alan Warriner-Little 5-0 in their quarter-final clash, dropping just five legs and missing double 18 to achieve a perfect nine-dart leg.
The other semi-final sees qualifier Wayne Jones meet former Purfleet finalist Peter Manley.
Manley overcame young star Adrian Lewis 5-3 in a tension-charged match, which saw the 20-year-old walk off stage during the fourth set after an exchange of words.
Whilst he returned and pulled back to 3-2, Manley's experience told as he moved into the last four.
"My main objective is to win and I'm delighted to be in the semis," said Manley. "I've been relaxed all week and my finishing on big shots has been good."
Wolverhampton-based Jones, a widower of four children, romped past an under-par Gary Welding to achieve a straight sets win in the day's opening game.
Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship
Quarter-Finals
Gary Welding 0-5 Wayne Jones - Report
Peter Manley 5-3 Adrian Lewis - Report
Wayne Mardle 5-0 Alan Warriner-Little - Report
Phil Taylor 5-1 Kevin Painter - Report
Highlights of these games will be available from 6pm on Saturday in DartsTV.