BURNHAM-ON-SEA'S Gary Anderson had his bid for a third World Darts Championship title ended by Phil Taylor on Friday night, as the 16-time winner triumphed 5-3 in the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace.

Taylor, 57, is playing in his final tournament before retirement, and will play Jamie Lewis in the semi-finals after averaging 102.02 to beat Anderson.

'The Power' took the opening set with an average of 107, but the Burnham resident drew level with a 101 checkout.

It was downhill from there for 'The Flying Scotsman', however, as missed chances and ruthlessness from his opponent saw Anderson fall 4-1 behind.

That proved too much of a mountain to climb as, although Anderson took the next two sets to get back into it at 4-3, Taylor took his chance with his third match dart to seal the encounter.

Anderson could only average 98.68, having apparently suffered back trouble in his previous match, leaving him to reflect on what might have been at the championship.