Phil Taylor produced the second highest average in the history of televised darts in defeating Mervyn King 9-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship.

Taylor averaged a superb 113.92, bettered only by his own display against Wes Newton in this year's Blue Square UK Open, to storm into the last eight in Frankfurt.

King played his part in a classic, averaging over 101 and taking out legs of 12, 12 and 11 darts, including a 141 finish in the latter after Taylor hit two 180s in the leg.

"I didn't realise the average was so high but I'm obviously delighted to have played so well," said Taylor.

"I'm just trying to beat my opponent as fast as possible because Mervyn showed how good he can be if you give him a chance.

"He's a real fighter and never gives in. It's a ruthless game, though, and I'm still here to fight another day."

Taylor meets either Wayne Mardle or Mark Walsh in Sunday's quarter-finals, as the tournament comes to a conclusion in Frankfurt.

Meanwhile, Peter Manley knocked out world number three James Wade 11-9, and now meets Alan Tabern, who reeled off six successive legs to defeat Jelle Klaasen 9-6.

Wins for Robert Thornton and Ronnie Baxter over Mensur Suljovic and Carlos Rodriguez put them into the last eight earlier on Saturday, while Adrian Lewis saw off Denis Ovens.