TAYLOR WANTS MORE IN SEMIS

Phil Taylor remained on course for a ninth Stan James World Matchplay title with a 16-6 win over Kevin McDine - but insisted he must improve if he is to reclaim the Blackpool trophy.

Taylor seemed set for a comfortable quarter-final win when he romped into an 8-0 lead against the 23-year-old.

However, McDine reduced the arrears to 13-6 to give the world number one some nervous moments before Taylor wrapped up the win.

"I saw Kevin was under pressure and it felt weird for me to be so far ahead when I got 10-1 up," admitted Taylor.

"It put me off a bit and I did lose concentration, but tomorrow^s a different game.

"I know I won^t be able to do that against Dennis Priestley in the semis because he^s a brilliant player."

Earlier in the day, Priestley was pushed all the way by Alan Tabern before securing a 16-14 victory.

Wayne Mardle made one of the greatest comebacks of his career to edge out former world champion Raymond van Barneveld 18-16 and set up a semi-final against defending champion James Wade.

Mardle trailed the Dutchman 12-7 before a run of eight straight legs saw the 2003 runner-up move in front.

He then looked to have blown his chance when van Barneveld levelled, only to sneak home in a tie break.

Wade ended the run of surprise package Matt Clark with a 16-12 victory.