Premier League week two results
Phil Taylor roared back from 4-0 down to defeat Ronnie Baxter 8-6 in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts at the BIC in Bournemouth.
Taylor had defied a virus to defeat Simon Whitlock in the event's opening week, but looked a shadow of his best when a slow start allowed Baxter to superbly win the opening four legs.
But Taylor, inspired by an 11-dart finish, took seven successive legs to assume the advantage and eventually sealed victory in a deciding leg.
"I couldn't get going at the beginning and Ronnie played really well," said Taylor. "After I got a leg and then another against the darts I put a little bit of pressure on him.
"I've been practising well but didn't play very well but my form's picking up and my doubles are going in, which is important."
Taylor will face reigning champion James Wade in Belfast next week, with the left-hander under severe pressure after slumping to a second successive defeat with an 8-4 loss to Mervyn King.
Wade missed 17 of 21 attempts at a double during another below-par display, as King capitalised to claim his second victory of the new season.
"James missed a lot of doubles and it was unlike him," said King. "That wasn't the real James Wade and he let me in leg after leg after leg, but I took my chances and am grateful I got them."
Adrian Lewis produced the most impressive display of the evening at The BIC in Bournemouth, powering to an 8-3 win over Raymond van Barneveld.
Lewis won the game's opening six legs without reply at an average of 111, which included finishes of 121 and 102, and held off a brief revival from the Dutchman to seal victory.
"I know I can beat everyone on my day but it's about having my mind right and I was ready for this game," said Lewis. "I can't get carried away though, this is only one game out of 14 and I've got to do this every week - but I think I'm capable of doing that."
The night's other game saw Terry Jenkins battle from 7-5 down to claim a draw for the second successive week, as Australian Simon Whitlock failed to convert leads of 3-0 and 5-2 into a victory.
Week Two Results - The BIC, Bournemouth
Adrian Lewis 8-3 Raymond van Barneveld
Terry Jenkins 7-7 Simon Whitlock
Phil Taylor 8-6 Ronnie Baxter
Mervyn King 8-4 James Wade