PHIL TAYLOR 4-0 ANDREW HAMILTON
(3-1, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1)

PHIL TAYLOR stormed into the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 4-0 defeat of Andrew Hamilton.

The qualifier had progressed through to reach round three by taking out Bob Anderson and Terry Jenkins, to set up an all-Stoke encounter with the 12-time World Champion.

And, despite a strong effort, he was unable to match Taylor's superb form as the defending champion powered through.

Taylor opened the match with a 12-dart leg, finishing on 121, and took the first set with a 117 checkout to send the Circus Tavern crowd into raptures.

Despite a second maximum of the game for Hamilton in the second set, Taylor took three straight legs to extend his lead to 2-0.

Hamilton won two of the first three legs in the third, but Taylor's response included a 125 finish before he won the set with a 98 checkout.

The qualifier even hit a ten-dart leg to start the fourth set, but Taylor hit three further maximums in the next three legs and won the game by matching that feat.

"I've got the World Championship in my head now and I'm ready to win it," said a focused Taylor. "I got up this morning, looked in the mirror and told myself to get on with it.

"That's what I did, I went out there and fought. I feel a lot different and whoever plays me from now on will have to play out of this world.

"I feel confident, very aggressive and everything a World Champion can be. I just feel great."

Hamilton has risen into the world's top 50 inside the last year, and Taylor added: "It was very much like playing John Lowe.

"Andy's very consistent and predictable in a way because of it. Some qualifiers hit 140 then 45, but Andy is consistent and he's done well."

Hamilton admitted: "I wasn't nervous or scared of him, I just thought he was superb.

"He isn't World Champion for any reason. He couldn't miss, he was unbelievable and I don't think anybody can touch him. He will win this now."

He added: "I enjoyed it and don't think I disgraced myself. I hit a ten-darter against him and that is a proud moment.

"It's been a great experience for me and I'll be back.

"I could play Phil in January and I won't be scared of him. We've got a UK Open Regional Final in Newcastle and I'll be ready again."

Match Stats