Unicorn duo Michael Smith and James Wade will face off for a place in the semi-finals of the Perth Darts Masters.
Both were convincing winners on Friday night. Gary Anderson is also through to the last eight where he will play Simon Whitlock, but Kyle Anderson was knocked out.
Wade averaged 96 and hit six doubles from nine attempts as he whitewashed qualifier Darren Hayes. He won the match in style with a 103 finish.
Smith stuttered over the finishing line. He beat Adam Rowe 6-2 but saved the best for last with a 120 check-out to win it.
Gary Anderson made a slow start against Kiwi Rob Szabo. He then hit seven perfect darts in the fourth leg. The Unicorn ace should have won 6-0 but missed eight darts for the match. A third maximum helped him to a convincing 6-1 victory.
Kyle Anderson missed a great opportunity to beat Phil Taylor for the first time as he bowed out of his hometown event. He led 4-2 and then missed a dart at 'tops' to go 5-3 ahead and another at D16 for a 5-4 advantage. Taylor won four straight legs to go through 6-4.
1st Round results:
Michael Smith 6-2 Adam Rowe
Peter Wright 6-2 Rhys Mathewson
Daryl Gurney 6-0 Koha Kokori
James Wade 6-0 Darren Hayes
Simon Whitlock 6-2 Justin Thompson
Phil Taylor 6-4 Kyle Anderson
Gary Anderson 6-1 Rob Szabo
Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 Corey Cadby
Saturday Q/Finals:
James Wade v Michael Smith
Peter Wright v Daryl Gurney
Gary Anderson v Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld
By STUART PYKE in Perth
Photo courtesy Photosport/PDC
