Phil Taylor to meet Adrian Lewis in Players Championship Finals

Phil Taylor has defeated Mark Webster in the opening round of the Players Championship Finals to progress through to a last-16 tie with Adrian Lewis.

The 15-time world champion averaged over 101 as he beat the Welshman 6-2, while Lewis overcome Richie Burnett with a 6-3 victory.

Grand Slam of Darts champion Raymond van Barneveld made an early exit in Minehead after he lost 6-5 to Steve Beaton but fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen eased through to the second round with a 6-3 win over Kevin Painter.

Gary Anderson progressed with a 6-4 triumph over Wes Newton while Ronnie Baxter and Mervyn King came through last-leg deciders against Paul Nicholson and Terry Jenkins.

Number one seed Dave Chisnall was whitewashed by Wayne Jones while James Wade suffered a surprise 6-4 defeat to Brendan Dolan.