Smith reeled off three straight legs to take the first set

Van Barneveld had won the last two matches between the pair, but Taylor was in imperious form in Dublin.

Taylor got off to a flier, taking the first two sets before his form slipped to allow Van Barneveld back in.

Both players found their rhythm in the fourth set, but Van Barneveld was unable to take a leg against the darts and Taylor sealed the victory.

Taylor, 46, will next face Roland Scholten after he overcame 1996 Embassy world champion Steve Beaton earlier in the evening.

Rising star James Wade will take on veteran Dennis Priestley for a place in the semi-finals.

Priestley held off a spirited fightback by Adrian Lewis to clinch a 3-2 victory, while Wade overcame 'Rocket' Ronnie Baxter 3-0.

Wade, who came of age during his run to the final of the Stan James World Matchplay back in July, dropped just four legs on his way to victory.