Gary Anderson edges out Raymond van Barneveld at Grand Slam of Darts

Gary Anderson has defeated Raymond van Barneveld to secure his place in the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts.

The 2015 PDC world champion came through by a 5-3 scoreline to leave Van Barneveld needing to beat Larry Butler to join Anderson in the second round.

Andy Boulton had recorded three legs in a row to get back to 4-4 before American thrower Butler held his nerve in the final leg.

Phil Taylor is all but assured of a place in the next stage after averaging 108.42 on his way to a 5-2 win against Robbie Green.

Rowby-John Rodriguez kept his hopes alive with a 5-2 triumph against Martin Phillips, but he will likely need to beat Taylor in his final match.

James Wade impressed in his clash with fellow left-hander Mark Webster, averaging almost 106 on the way to an empathic 5-1 win, while 2014 quarter-finalist Keegan Brown prevailed from a last-leg decider against Michel van der Horst.

Robert Thornton is within touching distance of the second round after beating Johnny Clayton 5-2, while Terry Jenkins boosted his chances in a 5-0 whitewash of Geert De Vos.

Results in full: Keegan Brown 5-4 Michel van der Horst, Rowby-John Rodriguez 5-2 Martin Phillips, Andy Boulton 4-5 Larry Butler, Terry Jenkins 5-0 Geert De Vos, Robert Thornton 5-2 Johnny Clayton, Phil Taylor 5-2 Robbie Green, James Wade 5-1 Mark Webster, Gary Anderson 5-2 Raymond van Barneveld