James Wade fails to break Phil Taylor hoodoo

Phil Taylor reached the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts by beating James Wade at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Saturday.

The 16-time world champion was far from his best, recording a three-dart average of just over 97. Nevertheless, he was able to race into an 8-2 lead.

Wade twice threatened to mount a serious comeback, closing the gap to 9-6 and then 15-12. However, Taylor eventually pinned double 10 in the 28th leg to seal a 16-12 win.

Taylor is now unbeaten in his last 20 matches against Wade, two of which have ended as draws.

'The Power' will meet fellow Stokie Adrian Lewis in the last four on Sunday afternoon, with the winner progressing to face either Robert Thornton or 2010 champion Scott Waites in the final later in the day.