Dubai Darts Masters: Gary Anderson thrashes Phil Taylor as MVG, Peter Wright & Gerwyn Price win

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On the opening day of this year's first World Series of Darts event, the Flying Scotsman quickly put last week's Premier League play-offs disappointment behind him with a thumping 10-3 victory over The Power at the open air  Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Anderson, the defending champion in Dubai, averaged just under 100, threw eight 180s and managed two 100+ checkouts, with the highest being 120 to go 8-3 up.

Taylor, who also lost out in the Premier League semi-finals following a last-leg decider with Peter Wright, struggled to get going and only averaged 90.36 which wasn't helped by 11 missed darts at doubles from 14 attempts.

Anderson, will now meet fellow Scotsman and his World Cup of Darts team-mate Peter Wright, said: "We all want to win, we’re all after the title and you just have to beat everyone. It’s always nice to get past the first round and Peter will be tough to beat. 

"I’ll do my best and try and win here again but it’s never easy these days, let’s see what happens."

Wright had earlier overcome Dave Chisnall 10-5 in an entertaining showdown.

Both players hit seven 180s apiece but it was Snakebite's consistently better scoring and more clinical finishing which proved the difference.

He said: "I believe I've just beaten the best player in terms of form in the tournament but I know I still need more. I just want to hit loads of 180’s and play better. I was ok today but tomorrow I will be better."

World number one van Gerwen is on a high following his successful Premier League title defence and he averaged an impressive 104.87 during his 10-5 victory over Raymond van Barneveld.

The Dutchman fired six maximums and was ruthless on his finishing, hitting 10 of his 15 attempts at doubles to seal a semi-final spot with debutant Gerwyn Price.

Van Gerwen also managed a stunning checkout of 150 to go 7-3 up although Van Barneveld had earlier thrilled the crowd with a 170 to cut the deficit to 4-2.

Barney scored well but apart from that shot at the bullseye to take out 170, he finished poorly, with only four doubles hit from 17 attempts.

Van Gerwen said: "Gerwyn made the final of the UK Open this year and deserves to be here. My experience will make a difference but he is a good player and I will have to play well.

"I'm not playing perfectly but I am getting closer, I want to win this tournament."

Price's World Series of Darts debut began in dramatic fashion as he edged out James Wade 10-9.

The Welshman looked on course for defeat as he trailed 9-7 but won three legs on the trot to see off a below-par Wade, who could only manage an average of 88.96.

Price finished with an average of 95.25, which was helped along by five 180s while he managed a high checkout of 91 and hit 10 of his 25 attempts at doubles.

He said: "I think i’ve worked hard this year and have earned my place. I was over thinking things at the start of the match so had to keep my cool and realise it was just one break. I knew I had the game in me to win and I’ve proved that again tonight." 

Dubai Darts Masters: Results & Schedule

Wednesday May 24 (1700 BST, 2000 local)
Quarter-Finals (Best of 19 legs)
James Wade 9-10 Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright 10-5 Dave Chisnall
Gary Anderson 10-3 Phil Taylor
Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Raymond van Barneveld

Thursday May 25  (1700 BST, 2000 local)
Semi-Finals (Best of 21 legs)
Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright

Final (Best of 21 legs)
Winner SF 1 v Winner SF2