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The knockout stages of the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts begin on Thursday, when World Grand Prix winner Michael van Gerwen will take on world number one Phil Taylor for a place in the quarter-finals.

van Gerwen, who won all three games in the group stage to progress to the second round, will meet ‘The Power’ in Wolverhampton after topping Group B ahead of Robert Thornton (pictured).

Thornton also progressed after winning two of his matches in the round robin.

The Scotsman, who won the UK Open in June, will take on Scott Waites in round two, with the winner of each match taking on each other in the last eight.

“I’m really looking forward to playing Phil,” said van Gerwen, who has been in sensational form in 2012.

“I’ve been waiting to play him and I know he’s been waiting to play me.

“It’s a longer format and it should be a cracking game.”

Arron Monk will take on Dean Winstanley, also on Thursday evening, while Raymond van Barneveld faces fellow Dutchman Wesley Harms on Friday.

‘Barney’ sealed his place in the last 16 with a 5-2 win over Wayne Jones.

By Chris Murphy

William Hill Grand Slam of Darts

Thursday November 15
7pm-11pm
Second Round
Dean Winstanley v Arron Monk
Mervyn King v Kevin Painter
Michael van Gerwen v Phil Taylor
Scott Waites v Robert Thornton

Images courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC