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‘The Limestone Cowboy’ booked a quarter-final clash with Terry Jenkins, after a comfortable 3 sets to 1 victory over local hero Anto McCracken.

Bob may not have won the match in the same stylish fashion that he disposed of Colin Lloyd but he certainly did it in style away from the oche. McCracken, who only lives a couple of miles away from the venue, arrived late after being stuck in traffic.

The young Irishman could have been disqualified and Anderson was asked if he wanted to claim the match, according to the rule book. But Bob wouldn’t have a bit of it. He explained: “Yes, I was offered the game but there is no way I would ever want to win a game of darts like that. I always want to win but I want to win it fair and square up on the stage.”

He added: “Anto gave it a good go but I always felt comfortable. I know that I will have to play a lot better against Terry Jenkins on Friday but the top half of the draw is wide open and I have as good a chance as anyone to go all the way.”

Anderson dropped the second set but was still far too good for the Irish qualifier and despite a partisan home crowd, he clinched a 3 sets to 1 victory. Remember until this week, he had never got past the 1st round in this tournament. Now he can perhaps sense something special….and he is also guaranteed at least £6,000 prize money.

Team Unicorn star Peter Manley played through the pain barrier to clinch his quarter-final spot. The 44-year-old from Carlisle pulled a muscle in his throwing arm celebrating his 1st Round win over Chris Mason.

He had treatment on the arm throughout the day and looked pretty good in beating Lionel Sams 3-1. Manley will face ‘The Pie Man’ Andy Smith, who stunned Wayne Mardle with a 3-0 victory.

From one set apiece, Manley lived up to his ‘One Dart’ nickname, as he took the next six legs to close out the match in impressive fashion. He produced three ton plus finishes and was terrific on his starting doubles.

Manley looks like he means business in Ireland and this victory could just clinch his place in the 2007 Premier League, which would be a great achievement considering by his own high standards, he has had a disappointing year.

Manley said: “I have been working very hard recently and it’s getting tougher but I am in a good position now. Also, to get in the Premier League again would be the culmination of all that hard work.”

So, it’s all eyes on Thursday night and the Clash of the Titans, as Phil Taylor takes on his great rival Raymond Van Barneveld.

Elsewhere, James Wade and Adrian Lewis go for quarter-final spots against Ronnie Baxter and Dennis Priestley respectively.

It should be quite a night and you can catch up on all the action right here on the Unicorn website.

Wednesday’s 2nd Round results (best of five sets):

Wayne Mardle 0-3 Andy Smith
Andy Callaby 2-3 Terry Jenkins
Bob Anderson 3-1 Anto McCracken
Peter Manley 3-1 Lionel Sams

Thursday’s 2nd Round schedule:

Ronnie Baxter v James Wade
Roland Scholten v Steve Beaton
Phil Taylor v Raymond Van Barneveld
Dennis Priestley v Adrian Lewis

BY STUART PYKE