Champions League of Darts: Phil Taylor thrashes Michael van Gerwen to reach semis

Phil Taylor thumped world number one Michael van Gerwen 10-4 to qualify for the semi-finals of the inaugural PDC Champions League of Darts in Cardiff.

Dutchman Van Gerwen failed to hold his throw against the 16-time world champion, as Taylor fired in four ton-plus finishes including a superb 167.

Gary Anderson also reached Sunday's last four, beating James Wade 10-7.

Adrian Lewis beat Michael Smith 10-8 earlier in the evening, while Peter Wright downed Robert Thornton 10-6.

Stoke thrower Taylor looked at his imperious best against a stunned Van Gerwen, landing six maximums before sealing the match with a 120 checkout.

• Relive Saturday's Champions League of Darts

Taylor, 56, earlier beat Wright 10-5, while Van Gerwen beat Thornton by the same scoreline.

Wade registered an impressive 10-3 win over world number three Lewis, while world champion Anderson beat Smith 10-5.

Van Gerwen now faces a showdown with Wright on Sunday for a last four spot and Taylor rounds off the group stage against Thornton.

Wade plays St Helens' Smith in Group B and Anderson takes on two-time world champion Lewis.

Watch live coverage of the Champions League of Darts on BBC Two and online from 13:00 BST on Sunday.

Saturday's evening results

Adrian Lewis 10-8 Michael Smith

Gary Anderson 10-7 James Wade

Michael van Gerwen 4-10 Phil Taylor

Peter Wright 10-6 Robert Thornton

Saturday's afternoon results

Gary Anderson 10-5 Michael Smith

Adrian Lewis 3-10 James Wade

Phil Taylor 10-5 Peter Wright

Michael van Gerwen 10-5 Robert Thornton