Paul Nicholson defeats UK Open champion Phil Taylor

Paul Nicholson broke Taylor's throw in the deciding leg to take victory

Defending champion Phil Taylor has been knocked out of the UK Open in Bolton.

The 50-year-old, from Stoke-on-Trent, lost 9-8 to Australia's Paul Nicholson in the last 16 at the Reebok Stadium.

"When it went to 8-8, there was no doubt in my mind because I've been there before," said Nicholson. "I wanted a chance and I took it."

Taylor, who fought back from 7-3 down to level the match, has not reached a major televised PDC final since winning the World Matchplay in July 2010.

Nicholson, who defeated Taylor on the way to winning the 2010 Players Championship in Purfleet, had earlier beaten Premier League winner Gary Anderson in round four, also in a deciding leg.

Two-time UK Open winner Raymond van Barneveld also went out of the competition on Saturday evening, losing 9-1 to Wes Newton.

World champion Adrian Lewis and Andy Hamilton were beaten in the third round stage on Friday.