DARTS legend Phil Taylor's bid for Las Vegas Desert Classic glory was nearly floored by a carpet fitter.

The 13-times world champ survived a big scare before booking his place in the semi-finals with an 11-4 win over part-timer Adrian Gray who lays carpets for a living.

Gray had threatened to repeat his defeat of Taylor at the World Grand Prix last year leading 2-0 and 3-1 early on.

But Taylor lived up to his nickname by Powering away, winning three successive legs before Gray levelled at 4-4.

But it was all Taylor after that with another five successive leg wins but he admitted he wasn't on form.

He said: "Adrian played really well, he started superbly and very consistent in the early stages.

''I didn't click into gear at all in the early legs and I wasn't hitting the doubles.

"To be honest, I was a bit on edge so I had to get a grip and relax.

''That's when I started to hit the target better.

"I'm a big fan of Adrian's. He's very dedicated, works hard and looks after himself. That will benefit him in the future.

"There's one thing for sure, I will have to play better than that if I'm to win the Desert Classic.

''I need to be quicker out the traps in the semi-final."

Taylor plays beanpole Dutch player Roland Scholten tomorrow after he had destroyed Mervyn King 11-2 in the first match of the night.

The other semi-final will be a heavyweight battle between UK Open winner James Wade and Peter Manley.

Wade, like Taylor a bit sluggish in his match, finally saw off Andy Hamilton 11-7 while Manley disposed of Alan Tabern 11-8.