Defending champion Phil Taylor outplayed his great rival Raymond van Barneveld to clinch a place in the quarter-finals of the Skybet World Grand Prix in Dublin.
'The Power', chasing his seventh Grand Prix title, had a point to prove after suffering back-to-back defeats against the Dutchman in televised events.
And he was able to raise his game when it mattered most, closing out an impressive 3-1 victory at the Citywest Hotel.
Taylor, 46, will next face Roland Scholten after he overcame 1996 Embassy world champion Steve Beaton earlier in the evening.
Both players took time to settle but it was Taylor who gained the upper hand, winning six of the first eight legs to open up a two-set lead.
However, Van Barneveld averaged almost 102 during the next four legs to reduce the deficit.
He also produced a brilliant 120 checkout under pressure to save the fourth set - but Taylor scored heavily in the next leg to wrap up victory.
'What a great player Raymond is - it was a tough game,' said Taylor afterwards.
'The next few years (on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit) are going to be brilliant.'
Looking ahead to his clash with Scholten, the 2004 UK Open champion, Taylor said: 'Roland is a very consistent player. He's a very good player and I'm looking forward to playing him.'
Scholten, this year's Premier League runner-up, made it through despite struggling with a neck problem.
The Dutchman overcame a slow start to inflict a 3-1 defeat on Beaton, who had to qualify for this tournament.
After the opening two sets were shared, Beaton moved into the driving set by winning the next two legs.
However, Scholten rediscovered his form and reeled off six straight legs to wrap up victory.
'I didn't feel comfortable from the first leg onwards - I've not felt right the last two days,' admitted Scholten afterwards.
'I'm just pleased that I won in the end. Steve battled all the way through and never gave up.'
Rising star James Wade cruised into the quarter-finals at the expense of Ronnie Baxter.
Wade, who came of age during his run to the final of Stan James World Matchplay back in July, dropped just four legs on his way to an emphatic 3-0 success.
