Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor through at UK Open

Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor have safely progressed through to the fourth round of the UK Open.

Van Gerwen was troubled by Mervyn King for the opening seven legs of their contest, before surging clear to record a 9-5 victory.

Taylor produced an impeccable display to beat Belgium's Ronny Huybrechts, cruising to a 9-0 triumph with minimal fuss.

Raymond van Barneveld and James Wade edged tight contests against Michael Smith and Jamie Caven, while Adrian Lewis breezed into the last 32.

Australian duo Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson were the biggest casualties from Friday's action, losing to Wes Newton and John Bowles respectively.