Taylor (left) has lost his last two televised matches against "Barney"

"The Power" was too strong for Wes Newton in Dublin on Tuesday, sealing a 2-0 victory, while "Barney" overcame Alan Warriner-Little 2-1.

Taylor will be looking for revenge after losing his last two games against Van Barneveld in televised events.

"I can relax now I'm through and just enjoy it," said Taylor.

"Barney's a good player, very consistent and professional like myself, but Thursday's another day so I've just got to get stuck in now."

Phil is the best player in the world and you have to give everything Raymond van Barneveld

The 13-time world champion was deadly on the doubles against Newton, dropping just one leg in the contest.

Van Barneveld made a great start against Warriner-Little, wrapping up the first set with a 107 checkout, and took control of the next thanks to a brilliant 143 finish.

However, the 2001 champion fought back well, nailing double five to take the match into a deciding set.

The pressure was on Van Barneveld but he responded like a champion, reeling off three legs to close out the match.

"This is one of the hardest tournaments to win in the world," said the Dutchman, who is using a new set of darts.

"Everyone says that if you win the UK Open or the Dutch Open you have to be a fantastic player. But to win this one is so hard.

"I hope it's a good game with Phil. He is the best player in the world and you have to give everything."

Taylor's protege Adrian Lewis raced to a straight-sets win over Welshman Barrie Bates and will face former world champion Dennis Priestley in the last 16.

Priestley produced a vintage display, dropping just one leg in a one-sided 2-0 victory over Geoffrey Matthews.

"Rocket" Ronnie Baxter lived up to his name with a quickfire 2-0 win over qualifier Alan Green.

The Swindon-based thrower, who will next face James Wade, produced checkouts of 113 and 160 on his way to victory.

Wade, runner-up to Taylor in the World Matchplay back in July, was never really tested by Irishman Paul Watton, easing to a 2-0 success.

Qualifier Steve Beaton, the 1996 Embassy champion, will face Dutchman Roland Scholten in the second round after he inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Mark Dudbridge.