Live PDC World Darts Championship semi-final blog: Phil Taylor v Jamie Lewis & MVG v Rob Cross

Semi-final results (best-of-11 sets)

Jamie Lewis 1-6 Phil Taylor

Michael van Gerwen 5-6 Rob Cross

Leg-by-leg blog replay

ROB CROSS BEATS MICHAEL VAN GERWEN IN SUDDEN DEATH

Not sure what else needs to be said there. That was truly one of the greatest matches in the history of this wonderful sport, and it means that Rob Cross - a former electrician who was an amateur a year ago, playing in his first World Championship - will be the final opponent in Phil Taylor's career.

What a game. More of the same, we hope, on Monday night. See you then.

SET 11, LEG 11 - SUDDEN-DEATH
Cross earns the throw in this deciding leg! He hits the outer bull, MVG can't even manage that, and Cross will go first. He hits single one to start. Then treble 20, then a single. MVG fires in 140 - a class shot. Cross now and it's just 100. MVG has a chance. He throws 96. Cross is 55 behind with the darts. Brave switch to 19s for 97 but it's not enough. MVG, crowd booing, throws 57. Pathetic from some lowlife sorts in the crowd, that. Cross 83 leaves 140 for the match. MVG throws 100 to leave 108. This is it. This is it. In goes the first treble 20. In goes treble 16! But double 16 misses a whisker. MVG throws treble 20, single 16... and misses double! Wow! Cross has three darts for the match. HE NEEDS JUST ONE!!!!!!!
Van Gerwen 5-6 Cross (Sets: 5-6)

SET 11, LEG 10 - TIE-BREAK
Just 100 from MVG, but just 100 from Cross. He needs to find a maximum. MVG throws 140; Cross cannot afford to miss a beat now, but that's what he does with just 60. That feels like game over. MVG returns with 96 to keep a thin ray of light in the Cross camp, but he can't find a treble. He's over 100 adrift and 95 is enough for MVG to leave 70. Cross finally finds a treble and that's a brave 140 to leave 144. MVG has two match darts, double eight... and both miss! He can't, can he? Treble 18... single 18. Close. He's left 52. Miss MVG. Another miss. AND. ANOTHER. MISS. Cross has 52 to force sudden-death. MVG has missed five darts for the match. Cross will have two for the leg. He's left double 18. And he hits it! One dart! WOW!
Van Gerwen 5-5 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG NINE - TIE-BREAK
140 to begin for Cross, 58 for MVG. This match deserves a tie-break and it's probably odds-on. Just 60 for Cross, and a 134 from MVG has him right on the tail of the Englishman. Cross throws a solid 100. MVG can only manage 59. "Darts is the greatest sport of all," says Mardle. He's wrong, but it's a damn fine second. Just 57 from Cross. Just 96 from MVG. Cross, now from 144, with MVG on 154. Huge. He won't be taking it out but that's a solid 96 to leave a two-dart combination. MVG's set-up is even better to leave 24. Cross now, to earn a guarantee of sudden-death. Single 16. Miss. Miss. Both by the narrowest of margins. MVG now, 24... hits it. Is that the match?
Van Gerwen 5-4 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG EIGHT - TIE-BREAK
Just 100 for MVG, but it's 57 for Cross. We're three legs from a sudden-death situation here as MVG fires 137. Cross throws a stray dart and is 99 adrift but MVG can only hit 57. Cross again strays with an 83 and this leg is Michael's to lose. What a shot! He throws 171, yet again, to leave 36. Cross is still not on a finish. MVG takes one dart at double. It's 4-4.
Van Gerwen 4-4 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG SEVEN - TIE-BREAK
It's a 134 to open for Cross, followed by 59 for MVG. This is one of the all-time great World Championship games as Cross hits 100, followed by 140 for MVG - little in it. Cross, though, can't find a treble and is down to 208. MVG throws a magnificent 134 but leaves 168 - a bogey. Cross, back into the treble 20, then switches to 16s to leave tops with a sensational 168. MVG leaves 28 so this has to go. Has to. Miss. Miss. HIT! What a dart at double 10.
Van Gerwen 3-4 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG SIX - TIE-BREAK
MVG starts with 140, Cross with 134. One poor visit could end the champion's challenge. He throws 96, but is that enough? Perhaps not, as Cross throws 140. MVG is back with just 95 to leave 170 and a 140 from Cross here could be a killer blow. He switches to 19, hits treble, then switches back and has 90. MVG can't take 170 but sets it up with 36 left. Will he get a chance, though? This is sensational. Cross, bull, for the win... just wide. MVG must hit this now. And does.
Van Gerwen 3-3 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG FIVE - TIE-BREAK
We now have a situation whereby a player must win by two clear legs. We are that deep. Cross is under the gun, though, with 99 to start which MVG bests with 136. Cross recovers with 131 as MVG fires in a 140 to pile on the pressure. Cross covers on treble 19 like an absolute lion and is down to 137, after which come a pair of bad darts from the champ to leave 153. Cross giggles after a weak first dart but ends up on 50, which he'll have a chance at. He goes 18 for double 16, and hits it first time. One away. Again.
Van Gerwen 2-3 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG FOUR
140 for MVG. It's good, but it's not the 174 that Cross has just thrown! Wow. MVG responds with a solid 96 but a big score here and Cross is on the verge of something incredible. Alas, he hits 42. MVG is back in with 133 to leave 132. Cross, whose head is wetter than a sea otter in a shower, has lost the plot momentarily. It's 96 for MVG to leave 36.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG THREE
Cross maximum. What have you got, Michael? Cross throws two more treble 20s, then a single one. He's in control to the tune of 101 points, though, and in goes another two trebles. He's had nine darts and he has 60 points left with MVG on 170. Cross now, to lead. First is low, second is miles away. MVG has his chance, but he's nowhere near and hits 58. Nerves everywhere. Cross now for double 10. Miss. HIT. He's one away.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG TWO
Just as you think it's all over, it's 58 from MVG and 140 from Cross. But then back comes MVG with a maximum - we're on 30 for the match now - and Cross can only manage 44. This could be the end at last for Cross's incredible challenge as van Gerwen hits 99 to leave 164. Cross needs trebles. He finds two of them, bravely, to leave 177. MVG finds one treble to leave 64 and could be under pressure as Cross fires 125 to leave 52. Every dart is massive. The crowd are booing... and his sole dart at double goes astray. Cross now cannot afford to pass this up. Double 16, two darts. First is weak. Second? Wide. MVG THEN MISSES THREE MORE. Wow. Cross has had more lives than a particularly fortunate cat. Cross hits double four and we're level again.
Van Gerwen 1-1 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 11, LEG ONE, CROSS TO THROW FIRST
I can't believe what I've just seen. Still think MVG wins. Cross starts the final set with 96; MVG with 139. Michael is scoring heavier now, but he needs to hit a double. Cross hits a 140 but MVG bags a 180 to move to 182, a leave of 83. Cross goes down to 19s and will be back for 170. MVG only 98, has 84 if he gets a look. Cross first. Treble 20. Treble 20. Well wide with the dart at bull. MVG now hits five - FIVE - but then treble 13 and double 20 for the leg. Wow.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 5-5)

SET 10, LEG FOUR
It's 95 for Cross to open, but there goes MVG with a 180. Treble one for Cross on his return and is he shaken? It's just 42 and as MVG fires 135, he could be throwing for the match in a minute. Cross regathers himself for a ton but it's nowhere near enough and MVG has six or more from 186. He throws 95 to keep Cross interested but he needs a huge score here. It's 140, which leaves 124, but will he get a chance? Yes is the answer as MVG can only set up 40. This is huge. Can he do it? In goes the treble 20. Single 14. Can he hit bull? No! It's close - very close - but low. My word! MVG misses three for the leg and Cross has 25 to level the match. In goes nine. But no! He misses two at double eight. MVG misses another. And another. AND. ANOTHER. Six darts missed. Not quite match darts, but the next best thing. Cross now, for the set, double four... IN IT GOES!
Van Gerwen 1-3 Cross (Sets 5-5)

SET 10, LEG THREE
A couple of solid visits from MVG, who will win the match if he wins the next three legs. Cross is half a century behind through two visits and a 121 from MVG has him down to 184. Cross has just dipped enough to make this leg appear MVG's to lose as he bags another 100 to drop to 84. Cross has stolen legs from bad positions, of course, but not this one as he's on 206 as MVG fires double 12 for a 14-dart leg. Defining leg coming next.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 5-4)

SET 10, LEG TWO
It's just 58 from Cross to start but 99 from MVG doesn't really punish it, and Cross fires in his 13th maximum to land a winner for us and, more importantly, take back control of this leg. And in goes another! This guy isn't human. MVG is way back and Cross has 83 for the leg. In goes the treble 17, in goes the double 16, and that's just daft. Plain. Daft.
Van Gerwen 0-2 Cross (Sets: 5-4)

SET 10, LEG ONE
Maximum respect for Cross but I think he might get rolled over from here. MVG starts 140, 100 to Cross's 95, 59, and there's a shake of the head which MVG will leap on. So he does with another 140 to leave 121 and Cross needs to be careful he doesn't make this easy for the champ at the death. Quality 134 ensures that he's not far away but MVG will be back for 56. Cross, on 213, produces more breathtaking darts for a 177 to leave 36 and this is a massive moment as MVG misses two darts for the leg. Cross took out 204 in four darts and he's just taken out 213 in four, too! WOW!
Van Gerwen 0-1 Cross (Sets: 5-4)

INTERVAL: Cross will need something truly special to turn this around now, even if the margin is just one set. Meanwhile those who played the over 25.5 180s market with me need just one more. The over checkout is in already thanks to Cross's 161 and even the speculative nine-darter and 170 stabs have looked close enough - MVG has had a couple of chances for the former and Cross missed bull for the latter. And, of course, we have at least one more set to come...

SET NINE, LEG FIVE
Just 81 from Cross, saved by the last dart, and MVG throws 140. This is it, folks. 100 Cross, who for the first time looks tentative - and MVG bangs in his 12th 180. Cross responds with a brave 134 but has the damage been done? MVG throws 149 and in 10 darts is down to 32 to steal the set. Huge, huge moment. Here goes. Miss. Miss. HIT! MVG leads in sets for the first time and he will throw first in the 10th set. Impossible to understate the quality of those last three legs to steal it.
Van Gerwen 3-2 Cross (Sets: 5-4)

SET NINE, LEG FOUR
Early call, but I think MVG may have just won the match there. Sounds silly, is silly, but he can hold here and then Cross has to throw for the set. Anyway, we'll see. For now it's MVG 224, Cross 227, and MVG hits 174 to leave 50 after nine darts. Cross makes a mistake and is back on 149 and before he's even reached his glass of water, MVG cleans up. Massive leg now.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross (Sets: 4-4)

SET NINE, LEG THREE
Cross starts with a 140 - what he'd give for three of those - and while he follows it with just 96, that's still enough for a 40-point lead after six darts. He switches to 19s and saves his visit with a treble for 85, but MVG is right alongside him and this will be a race from 180 in effect. Cross pops in a treble but follows it with just 25 and has work to do on 95, with MVG waiting now on 28. This, then, for the set. Huge moment. It's 19, but he then goes for double 18 and is way off. MVG needs no second invitation and mops up on double seven.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 4-4)

SET NINE, LEG TWO
Cross at last finds his 12th maximum as the TV chaps tell us MVG has been in front for a mere one leg tonight. Another maximum follows from Cross and having started this leg with just 40, he has 101 to break which he fails to take. MVG can't hit 120, however, so Cross is back for tops and a 2-0 lead... which is there. Bang. In a couple of minutes he's won two legs and if he holds throw here, he's a set away from the final.
Van Gerwen 0-2 Cross (Sets: 4-4)

SET NINE, LEG ONE, CROSS TO THROW FIRST
Serious lull on the 180s from Cross but three 140s will do to leave 81, which he takes out in three on double six. That's as simple as you like to edge back ahead having lost the three previous legs. Unshakeable.
Van Gerwen 0-1 Cross (Sets: 4-4)

SET EIGHT, LEG THREE
MVG throws three perfect darts but two of them bounce out. He's still just about on top and, after a pause to deal with his stems, hits 145 to leave 156 with Cross back on 185. MVG is way off with the first, and the second, and 44 hands a chance to Cross. He takes it, hitting 145 to leave 40 in a perfect set-up, and MVG can't take out the big number. Cross, however, misses three for it and that should be that. So it is. Tied score, folks.
Van Gerwen 3-0 Cross (Sets: 4-4)

SET EIGHT, LEG TWO
Tidy start from both men - 136 and 131 respectively. Cross follows his with 57 whereas MVG hits his 11th 180. They've dried up for Cross and that could be a key point going forward, with MVG on top in this set and odds-on to level the match. He's down to 95 but will need it, with Cross waiting on 48. MVG takes out 95 in three, signing off on bull, and every time Cross has looked like he might pull off the upset, van Gerwen has eased back to level. The same is about to happen.
Van Gerwen 2-0 Cross (Sets: 3-4)

SET EIGHT, LEG ONE, MVG TO THROW FIRST
We are on throw, remember, even if that felt like a major blow landed by Cross. MVG might want to up his game, though, after a brace of modest visits to kick off this set - no room for those now. Cross doesn't take advantage, though, and van Gerwen is first to a finish - even if it's 170. Cross will have 157 if MVG misses, which he goes, but a couple of sublime treble 19s leave him 36. Cross has taken out a couple of big ones tonight but this half-chances passes and MVG hits double nine with one dart in hand to edge it.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 3-4)

INTERVAL: Yep.

SET SEVEN, LEG FOUR
MVG throwing to stay in the set, opens with 96, but Cross betters it with 139. MVG responds with 137 and it's just about all-square when Cross hits 140, given that MVG has the darts. He throws 136 to leave 132 and Cross needs a big one to put some pressure on before it switches to him. It's 96 and probably not enough as he leaves 126, although he's back to throw for it with MVG on 40. Here goes. It's treble 19, treble 19... double six! What a finish. What. A. Finish.
Van Gerwen 1-3 Cross (Sets: 3-4)

SET SEVEN, LEG THREE
It's a poor start for Cross, throwing for the set now and able only to hit 57. MVG follows with 137 but Cross fires in a couple of treble 20s to keep in the leg. MVG, though, is on top after a 140 and should now go on to take the leg after just 60 from Cross. MVG follows with 48, mind, and is on 176; Cross has six from 263 and the first three add up to a magnificent 177 to leave 86. MVG, disgusted, throws 136 to leave tops but Cross has this for the set. In goes treble 18. Single 16. Single eight. Chance gone. MVG takes it in three.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 3-3)

SET SEVEN, LEG TWO
Just 59 from MVG and Cross takes advantage with a 140. MVG then manages 100 but that's not going to make ground in this game and Cross chucks in another 140. One more and he'd be on 81 buyt first it's MVG with a 133 to get back in the leg, albeit Cross just about has control now. Two more treble 20s, then treble 19, and he's down to 44 after nine darts. MVG responds but it may be too late as he works his way to 72. Cross, then, chooses double 16 despite having yet to hit it. He puts that right and is 2-0 up.
Van Gerwen 0-2 Cross (Sets: 3-3)

SET SEVEN, LEG ONE, CROSS TO THROW FIRST
It took MVG 38 legs and just a few minutes to win that set, averaging over 118. Cross is unfazed, however, and in control of this opening leg in set seven. We're now on 20 maximums in total, 10 apiece, by the way, as Cross leaves 32 with MVG back on 74 should be miss. Cross needs all three, but finally nabs double four with a brave dart and is back into the slimmest of leads.
Van Gerwen 0-1 Cross (Sets: 3-3)

SET SIX, LEG THREE
MVG playing his best darts of the match now and again starts with a maximum, followed by 140. Cross is sloppy in hitting 42 at first, but a 135 keeps him interested. However, another 140 from the champ leaves 41 after nine and that should be all-square through six sets. And so it is. Nine, double 16 (second attempt) and that's the sixth gear on show.
Van Gerwen 3-0 Cross (Sets: 3-3)

SET SIX, LEG TWO
Another 180 to start for MVG and this time he backs it up with another. Seems hitting 161 was a bad idea on some level. For the second time tonight, his first dart at the final treble 20 is just a shade low and Cross has 104 for the leg, with MVG on 48. Cross makes a bit of a hash of it, but MVG misses another couple at double 16 - that's 28 misses already. Cross is back for 64 and has one dart, which hits the single. MVG returns to take it and should win the set now.
Van Gerwen 2-0 Cross (Sets: 2-3)

SET SIX, LEG ONE, MVG TO THROW FIRST
MVG comes out firing with five perfect darts before a switch to treble 19 just misses. Cross is still on a high, you'd imagine, and it's costing him with six modest darts to basically hand over this leg without any sort of fight. Six, even nine, from 92 for van Gerwen. He'll be back after three of them for double six. That's better - first dart straight at the target.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 2-3)

MORE INTERVAL: Remember how the nation went bonkers when that Marcus Willis tennis person won a match and then took a point off Federer? This is a bit like that, except Willis would be two sets to one up on Federer. I know darts is not as deep a sport, but it's still deserving of more recognition that it has earned. Every paper in the land should've been lining up to interview him before this tournament.

INTERVAL: It is beyond belief what Cross is doing here. Remember, last year he was not a professional, and here he is leading the world champion. I can't compute that. The idea that an amateur could make the transition to high-class professional is just about manageable, but to be this good on your first semi-final appearance at this level... nope.

SET FIVE, LEG FIVE
Cross starts with two perfect darts and a 140, followed by two more perfect darts and another 140. MVG hits 100, 140, but against the darts that's not even enough. Cross, though, can only manage 60 and MVG has an opening. He takes it, firing in three sublime darts to leave 81. Cross has 161 for the set and it's treble 18, treble 19... bull! What a checkout! That's 161 for the set! Wow.
Van Gerwen 2-3 Cross (Sets: 2-3)

SET FIVE, LEG FOUR
A 140 to start from MVG, who is being asked serious questions here, but he can't find a treble on his second visit. Cross can't capitalise and it'll be a race from just north of 300, which MVG starts with another of those trademark 171s to leave 132. Cross, this time, finds a couple of trebles but isn't on a finish. MVG hits 96 to leave 36 and that would be that on almost any other day. There's pressure, though, as Cross hits 137 to reach the same number. MVG goes inside, but double nine is a beauty, bang in the middle, to force a deciding leg.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross (Sets: 2-2)

SET FIVE, LEG THREE
Four trebles in nine darts for Cross followed by a 140 from MVG leave this leg wide open. Cross is on 175, MVG 168, and a fine 139 from the former puts him in command. MVG follows it with 128 as memories of the last leg are erased, Cross hitting double 18 first time.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 2-2)

SET FIVE, LEG TWO
Maximum for MVG. Dreams of a nine disappear with his fourth dart but a 99 is solid enough to put him clear. MVG does make an error on visit three, hitting 58, and a 133 from Cross gets him within striking distance. MVG's 80 leaves 84, but Cross puts pressure on it with 95 to leave 78. MVG first and he'll need double 11... which strays left of target. He's been very poor on the doubles today. Here comes Cross, then, for the break and it's double top for it... which clips an earlier dart and ducks low. MVG then goes 11, seven, two, two more misses at double. Cross misses double 10 on the inside, then goes low on double five. MVG gets another chance but it's double one and the first two miss. Not the third, though. Garbage from both to be truthful but that's a reflection of the opportunity here.
Van Gerwen 1-1 Cross (Sets: 2-2)

SET FIVE, LEG ONE
Max for Cross. Anyone who played overs in the total 180s market is well on their way here - Cross has 10 on his own. He's still under pressure, though, as MVG bags another 171 to leave 91. Cross is on 147 and may need it to hold. He goes for 18s, misses, but a fine final dart leaves 12. It's more double trouble for van Gerwen after treble 17 gives him two for it, both of which go begging, and Cross stumbles over the line with his third at double six.
Van Gerwen 0-1 Cross (Sets: 2-2)

INTERVAL: MVG's average is 101.68, but he's hit just nine of 26 darts at double. Cross is on 101.12 after that poor leg and is 10/24 on doubles, a dart better than his opponent, but the all important square is 2-2.

SET FOUR, LEG FIVE
Just 100 for MVG, which is bang-on his average right now, but Cross can only manage 58 and is only a point better on his next visit. That allows MVG to take control with a fabulous 171 to leave 134, and Cross's 140 is probably too late. MVG sets up 40 and Cross is still well adrift after another poor visit. In goes the first dart for the set, a 13-dart leg. We're level.
Van Gerwen 3-2 Cross (Sets: 2-2)

SET FOUR, LEG FOUR
Just 80 from Cross to open, but MVG can only manage 60. Big leg, this. If Cross can win it, he'll ask a serious question of van Gerwen. Cross hits 99 on his second visit and it's just 59 for van Gerwen, who is definitely not at his best here even if he closes the gap a little with 96 after a poor visit from Cross. The Englishman leaves 170, but a 140 from MVG gets him down to 146 and it's all to play for. Cross is low on the first dart but then follows it with four 19s to leave 74. MVG misses treble 18, but leaves eight should he get another go. Cross hits treble 18 to leave double 10, which he hits at the second attempt. That's pure class.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG THREE
Mardle having a go at Cross for the wrong route. He's right, but he still had a dart for the leg. Anyway, Cross is back in the 180 zone against the throw here. MVG is first to a finish but it's 164, whereas another maximum - back-to-back - leaves Cross on 46. He's hit nine already and takes advantage, hitting double eight with his final dart to break back.
Van Gerwen 2-1 Cross (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG TWO
Both players under 90 in this set, albeit through just a leg and a half, and there's a feeling we're just in a brief lull. Cross has six from 178 but can only manage 60 for the first three, allowing MVG to put some pressure on with 100 to leave 105. Cross hits treble 18, treble 14 to leave double 11, but it's far from his first genuine pull of the match and misses. MVG, in no time, takes out 105 on double 16, his second 100+ finish to take a two-leg lead in the set.
Van Gerwen 2-0 Cross (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG ONE, MVG TO THROW FIRST
Cross opens with five. Five. In total. 100, 97 from van Gerwen should give him enough of an advantage to cruise to this leg as a result even if he's not firing on all cylinders as he returns with an 85 followed by 97 to leave 122. Cross is not on a finish just yet so MVG can set things up nicely, leaving 40. He takes it at the third and final attempt with Cross on 101.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 1-2)

SET THREE, LEG FOUR
MVG under pressure here after a 57 to start, but he follows it with a redemptive 174. Cross, however, bangs in his seventh maximum and is in control after 140 to leave 47. MVG needs 170 to go... and the second dart is low. Cross, then, has 47 for the set. He goes 15, 16, double eight, and it's job done.
Van Gerwen 1-3 Cross (Sets: 1-2)

SET THREE, LEG THREE
Very good standard, this, so much so that both men hitting 99 to start a leg feels a bit naff. Cross ups it to 100 on his return but MVG can only manage 55 - looks like the run of 11-dart legs ends here. Cross does, however, manage 132 to leave 170 so we could have 12 if he wants to go for it, which he's not under pressure to do. In go the trebles, and he goes for it... but misses right. Bravo for the effort. MVG throws 96 to leave 111, and he gets a dart for it after Cross slips throwing for the leg. He's back for nine and hits the double four. No drama guv.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross (Sets: 1-1)

SET THREE, LEG TWO
96 and 83 from MVG open the door a little for Cross, who begins with a pair of 140s. MVG can only manage 100 on his third visit so there's a chance for Cross here as he bags a third 140 to leave 81, which he may need after a 133 to leave 89 for van Gerwen. Here goes Cross, then, and it's treble 19 to leave double 12, which he hits. That's an 11-dart leg, too.
Van Gerwen 1-1 Cross (Sets: 1-1)

SET THREE, LEG ONE, CROSS TO THROW FIRST
Why couldn't they have had a proper rest? We resume with a maximum, Cross's sixth of the match to three from MVG, who follows with a 171. Cross can only manage 59 on his next attempt but here goes MVG with 180 to leave 150 - that's two legs in a row in which he's had a nine-dart chance. This time he misses the treble 20 again but does leave 52. But Cross is there on 170 and hits the first treble... only to stray into one. This, then, is for a break, and MVG takes it out in two darts on double 16. Break.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 1-1)

INTERVAL: Me? Rest. You? Watch...

SET TWO, LEG FIVE
Class from an angry MVG, who opens with a 180 and follows it with another. Nine-darter anyone? Cross is miles back and this is all about whether MVG can make history. Here we go. Nope - the first is low and he manages just 65, albeit this should do for the set as Cross still isn't on a finish. MVG goes 20, 16, but misses the dart for the set. Sloppy stuff despite some heavy scoring and he needs to hit this now. Two more misses... but the third goes in. That's the set and I'm seeing double. Where's Justin Pipe when you need him?
Van Gerwen 3-2 Cross (Sets: 1-1)

SET TWO, LEG FOUR
12-dart leg from Cross but an opening 57 undermines the hard work as MVG responds with 96. Cross again misses out on a big treble and while MVG can only manage 83, he's 63 points to the good through six darts. Cross is back among the trebles with a 100 but MVG's 140 has him down to 182. He'll have six from there after just 58 from Cross, who has gone to sleep in this leg. MVG sets it up with a 150 to leave 32 and that should be the set. Cross fires in a 174 to get to 53 and he will have a chance for it after three missed darts at double from the champ. Wow. Cross hits 17, leaving 36, and it's there. We have a deciding leg.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross (Sets: 0-1)

SET TWO, LEG THREE
134 for MVG but Cross hits another 180. MVG then goes 135 so still looks favourite for the leg and the set with it, which is confirmed when Cross can only manage 60. MVG is down to 140 after nine darts but here comes Cross with his fifth maximum to get to 81. MVG makes a mess of 140, hitting only 50, so this is an opening for Cross. Yet again it boils down to bull and it's third time lucky as he breaks back.
Van Gerwen 2-1 Cross (Sets: 0-1)

SET TWO, LEG TWO
Any no-treble visit will be punished on this stage tonight but Cross does well to recover from one here, reaching 181 with MVG just behind. A solid 96 gets Cross down to 85, and MVG is further back on 105. Cross first, and it's these legs which will be really important as he again leaves bill... and again misses. Same again? MVG is too fast for the cameraman but does miss double 18 for the leg, though I've no idea by how far. MVG is back, though, when Cross misses two darts for the hold and this set might be over in about three minutes.
Van Gerwen 2-0 Cross (Sets: 0-1)

SET TWO, LEG ONE, MVG TO THROW FIRST
100, 100 for MVG, 100, 140 for Cross, who looks as comfortable as a cat on camera at this point. In goes a maximum to pile pressure on MVG's throw and he has bull for the leg, with van Gerwen on 116. It misses, and that's more like it from MVG, who hits treble 20, single 20, double 18 for the first high checkout of the match.
Van Gerwen 1-0 Cross (Sets: 0-1)

INTERVAL: In an indication of how big a job Taylor has on his hands to actually win the thing, both men averaged over 103 in that set. MVG missed six darts at double, although five came in a leg he won. The crucial miss came in leg five and allowed Cross to hold throw.

SET ONE, LEG FIVE
Nerves, folks. Cross opens with just 60 and MVG punishes it with 140. Huge leg. Cross responds with a brilliant 137 but is it enough? Perhaps not - MVG throws his first 180 at just the right time and is down to 181 in a flash. Cross can only hit 100 and is back on 204, darts picked from his pocket, as van Gerwen drops down to 77. Cross is in with a second maximum and that means it's just one dart for the set for MVG, and he misses high at tops. Cross, then, for the set... and it's there in one dart. That's 204 in four darts for a statement. A big statement.
Van Gerwen 2-3 Cross (Sets: 0-1)

SET ONE, LEG FOUR
Mardle is very keen on Cross's use of height in his stance. More on that later. MVG starts 96, 174 to take control of this leg before I can even start to type and a further 139 to leave 92 surely guarantees us a deciding leg. In goes the first maximum for Cross and MVG misses two at double 16, which means Cross has a chance to hit 164 for the set. He takes the 18s route and misses the first one so van Gerwen will be back... but three darts at double 16 all miss left. Wow. That's five for the leg gone. Cross almost busts himself but leaves 32 for the set... and he too misses. Van Gerwen now finds the target. Nerves, folks.
Van Gerwen 2-2 Cross

SET ONE, LEG THREE
It's a poor 59 from Cross, the sort of mistake MVG will punish and he does with a 139. Cross does respond with a two-treble visit and then that textbook technique finds a 174 to leave 134, with MVG not yet to a finish. It's just 58 from Cross to leave 76, which allows MVG to ask a question with a 134 to leave 74. Big darts in the early part of the match. Cross throws 20, 16 to leave 40... and hits it. Brilliant dart that and he knows it.
Van Gerwen 1-2 Cross

SET ONE, LEG TWO
Van Gerwen starts 137, 140, 133 to leave 94 after nine darts and should level up, although there's still time for a 129 throw from Cross to keep close-ish. As MVG leaves himself 40, Cross adds another 140 to get down to 43 but it's too late as MVG finds double top at the first attempt for a 13-dart leg.
Van Gerwen 1-1 Cross

SET ONE, LEG ONE, CROSS TO THROW FIRST
Here we go then, and it's 140 to open from Cross, but just 61 for MVG. Bar that deconstruction of James Wilson, he's not been flawless and how close this is may depend on how Cross copes with the enormity of the situation. He finds himself behind after a couple of poor visits but 58 from MVG puts the advantage back with the thrower, who lands 135 to leave 73. Another poor visit from van Gerwen and Cross has as many as he needs here. It's a good job, as two darts at double eight go begging and he's now under pressure after a 140 from MVG. It's no problem though as the third go at double eight lands.
Van Gerwen 0-1 Cross

2158: Hammer is nervous, I can tell, because he's not happy with the intensity of the entrance. It certainly doesn't compare to MVG's Seven Nation Army shtick, so famous now that you almost forget the full version. Wonder what Cross should go with. Maybe something by Electric Six? Even ELO? "Danger! High Voltage" feels like a trick missed.

2156: Cross on his way to the stage, the song they play at Mumbo Jumbo's pounding out of the PA system. Embrace for a small child who looks so much like the man making his way to the stage that one can only presume they are father and son. MVG next, after I've patted myself on the back for the Mumbo Jumbo's line.

2152: While we await the players, a clip of Taylor sealing the deal. He was full of praise for Lewis afterwards and the Welshman received a wonderful ovation as he left the stage at the end of a breakthrough tournament. Let's hope this is the start of something.

2148: MVG interview being aired. Something really endearing about the best player on planet earth; it's like he knows what he has to say as a world-leading sportsman - you know, all the cliches about how all that matters is the next game, basically nothing interesting - but he delivers it all with a sprinkling of humility which sets him apart from some.

2146: Our darts guru Chris Hammer is hoping for a Cross upset here, having tipped the rising star at 16/1 pre-tournament, meaning an each-way payout is one win away. He's keen on Cross getting the job done tonight, too, with 6-4 his scoreline verdict. You can read more here while below are various stats, head-to-head records and routes to the semi-finals, again courtesy of Chris.

Head-to-head record

MVG 8 wins, Cross 1 win

• MVG 16-13 Cross (Grand Slam of Darts, Nov 2017)
• MVG 5-4 MVG (Grand Slam of Darts, Nov 2017)
• MVG 10-4 Cross (World Series of Darts Finals, Nov 2017)
• MVG 11-7 Cross (European Championship, Oct 2017)
• MVG 6-4 Cross (European Darts Trophy, Oct 2017)
• MVG 6-3 Cross (German Darts Grand Prix, Sept 2017)
• MVG 2-6 Cross (European Darts Open, July 2017)
• MVG 6-5 Cross (Players Championship, April 2017)
• MVG 9-5 Cross (UK Open, March 2016)

Routes to the semi-finals

Michael van Gerwen

• First round: 3-1 v Christian Kist
  (Ave: 106.17, 180s: 4, Doubles: 11/16)
• Second round: 4-0 v James Wilson
  (Ave: 108.65, 180s: 4, Doubles: 12/21)
• Third round: 4-2 v Gerwyn Price
  (Ave: 100.06, 180s: 12, Doubles: 13/39)
• Quarter-finals: 5-4 v Raymond van Barneveld
  (Ave: 102.91, 180s: 12, Doubles: 21/42)

Rob Cross

• First round: 3-0 v Seigo Asada
  (Ave: 104.12, 180s: 6, Doubles: 9/18)
• Second round: 4-3 v Michael Smith
  (Ave: 102.65, 180s: 16, Doubles: 12/31)
• Third round: 4-1 v John Henderson
  (Ave: 99.77, 180s: 7, Doubles: 13/22)
• Quarter-finals: 5-4 v Dimitri van den Bergh
  (Ave: 97.13, 180s: 11, Doubles: 19/50)

Tournament stats so far

Overall Average
MVG: 103.34
Cross: 100.20

Total 180s
MVG: 32
Cross: 40

Checkouts
MVG: 57/118
Cross: 53/121

100+ checkouts
MVG (7): 170, 164, 142, 141, 138, 114, 108
Cross (3): 164, 121, 102

2145: We're not far away from the second semi-final now, and it's one Michael van Gerwen is 1/5 to win with Sky Bet. As mentioned, I think this will be a cracker and am big on the over markets, chiefly total 180s but also highest checkout score. In fact, I'm throwing a couple of quid on a 170 checkout and a nine-dart finish. I may be just a little bit too excited.

PHIL TAYLOR REACHES THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

That truly was the closest 6-1 you'll ever see, a match decided on single moments, not any kind of dominance. Lewis hit 11 maximums to five from Taylor but missed a crushing 27 darts at double. He will feel not only that he could've scared Taylor tonight, but that he could've beaten him.

Credit, though, must go to Taylor, who was by no means prolific on doubles - he hit 19 of 37 - but took out the big ones when he had to. So often, he had one dart in hand with Lewis waiting, and he hit it. Whatever happens on Monday, this is some way to bow out.

SET SEVEN, LEG FIVE
That hurt Lewis, and so does an opening 55. He's missed eight darts for sets since taking the opener. This could have been so different, but a 134 from Taylor makes the result feel inevitable. Lewis manages another 100, his 34th to go with 28 140s and 11 maximums, which Taylor matches. Lewis needs a two-treble visit, but it's a no-treble visit and Taylor has stolen the darts - six or more from 267. This would be so, so harsh - I hope he's humble afterwards. Taylor leaves a bogey with 99 which keeps Lewis in the leg and a 135 is pure class to leave 152, probably to stay alive. Taylor first and it's 100 to leave 68. Lewis, now. Come on. In goes the first. In goes the second. Hit it, please hit it... no. It's wide. The match in microcosm. Taylor steps in, hits his combo in three darts and wins the match on double 16.
Lewis 2-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-6)

SET SEVEN, LEG FOUR
Lewis was blinking in disbelief as the second of those double 19s went in and it shows as he opens this leg with 36. A 100 follows to keep him in touch but we're surely heading for yet another deciding leg here - remember, five of the six sets have gone the distance. This really has not been one-sided in the way 5-1 to Taylor suggests. Nowhere near. Lewis could wrap up the set in four legs, though, after a 140 on the heels of some poor Taylor darts. He's got six from 225 and the first three add up to 140, to leave 85. The pressure is piled on by a 142 from Taylor to leave 41, but Lewis still has two at double 14... only to see both slide by. Taylor, of course, makes no mistake. He's a leg away.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-5)

SET SEVEN, LEG THREE
The crowd, more fickle than Grima Wormtongue, are in the red corner now as Lewis just about holds onto his advantage here until a sloppy 57 hands it to Taylor. Don't lose the match in this set, please - that would be cruel. Taylor throws 137 to leave 95 but Lewis is down to 64 should he miss. Taylor goes 19, double 19, double 19, to stunned silence, to keep the set alive. Remarkable showboating.
Lewis 2-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-5)

SET SEVEN, LEG TWO
Jamie's girlfriend, Kylie, certainly hasn't given up the ghost. I should be so lucky. Wonder if it was love at first sight. On a night like this, these are the key questions. It's never too late. Taylor could yet be spinning around. Folks, that was especially for you. On the oche, I believe Lewis bagged an 11th maximum while I googled 'Kyle Minogue songs' and he now has double nine for a 123 finish, which misses low. Taylor now has 87 for the hold and he misses two for it, both double 18. Lewis now has two darts at double four... and in goes the first. He'll throw for the set.
Lewis 2-0 Taylor (Sets: 1-5)

SET SEVEN, LEG ONE, LEWIS TO THROW FIRST
Really good from Lewis to respond to more pressure with a pair of mid-leg 140s, which get him down to a finish before Taylor. It's another shootout, though, as the Power is waiting on 125 and 98 from Lewis means he's in danger again. Taylor, however, hits single 12 when aiming at bull so Lewis should sneak this one with three darts at tops. The first is a good marker, so is the second, and the third finds its way into bed.
Lewis 1-0 Taylor (Sets: 1-5)

SET SIX, LEG FIVE
Class from Taylor to open with a maximum and Lewis is on the brink here following an 85. It could be the closest 6-1 you've ever seen as Taylor fires in another big number, this time 137, to bump his average close to 100. Lewis is way, way back and a 140 leaves 44 once more for Taylor, who is playing beautifully now. In goes the 12, in goes the double 16, and that's an 11-dart leg to move within a set of the final. Sensational.
Lewis 2-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-5)

SET SIX, LEG FOUR
It's a brace of 140s to start for Lewis who just hasn't accepted what many will believe is his fate here, as Taylor bags his fourth 180. A good leg, this, as Lewis hits his third 140 to leave 81 for the set. Taylor is right on his heels with 42 left after nine darts so this, again, has to go. He hits 19, but then five instead of 12, and that's a seriously bad mistake given the moment and the opponent. Taylor hits 10, miss, double 16 for a 12-dart leg and will throw for the set. Five of the six have gone the distance.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-4)

SET SIX, LEG THREE
For perhaps the first time, the shoulders of Lewis can be seen to slump as the crowd sing 'there's only one Phil Taylor'. What a relief that is. Lewis is way behind in this leg until a maximum, his 10th to Taylor's three, gets him down to a finish. It's 167 and Taylor is waiting on 125 should he miss, which he does. Crucially, he bags treble 18 with the final dart to leave 74 should Taylor miss, which he does after a wayward opening dart. Taylor leaves 40 so this has to go for Lewis. In goes treble 14. IN goes double 16. Brilliant combo for the leg and he'll throw for the set.
Lewis 2-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-4)

SET SIX, LEG TWO
John Part, the former world champ who is very much a friend of ours here at Sporting Life, might as well be wearing a Wales shirt - he's desperate to usher in a comeback here. Taylor has other ideas with a 174 to take control of the leg and effectively steal the darts in what would be a big blow to Part's dream of an 11-set thriller. Taylor is down to 53 after just nine darts and while it's a solid leg from Lewis, who is on 108, Taylor comes back to take out that 53 for an 11-dart leg.
Lewis 1-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-4)

SET SIX, LEG ONE, TAYLOR TO THROW FIRST
Guessing game, but I reckon Lewis needed to reach the final for a Premier League place. It's a life-changing three weeks regardless, but a spot in the PL would've been something else. Let's not rule him out just yet, however, as a lacklustre few turns from Taylor allow Lewis to creep ahead in this opening leg of set six. Then Taylor fires in just his third 180 to render that advantage less significant, although a strong 134 from Lewis leaves him on 52. Taylor, needing 101, can't leave a dart for the leg and this now for an important break. He just can't afford to miss. And he doesn't - well done, Jamie Lewis.
Lewis 1-0 Taylor (Sets: 1-4)

INTERVAL: I managed to make a cup of tea and buy a bag of Minstrels, which is nice. Lewis now 10/31 on doubles versus 14/28 for Taylor, who is averaging just a point and change more because of those doubles hit.

SET FIVE, LEG FOUR
Brilliant from Lewis, as he bangs in a maximum after Taylor opens with a 140. Some effort, that, and it forces a mistake from Taylor as he can only manage 60. Lewis must hit a big treble here to take control, but all three darts fall the wrong side of the wire and he's only 38 ahead after six. Taylor fist pumps a 134 to close in on the set, which he'll have 167 for, and Lewis may need to take out 164. That's if he gets a chance! Treble 20, treble 19 for Phil but he's just too high on bull. Lewis can't find a treble and that may be the set, and just about the match, as Taylor hits double eight for a 4-1 lead. Big celebrations from Taylor and he knows he's within touching distance of the final.
Lewis 1-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-4)

SET FIVE, LEG THREE
It's an opening 140 from Lewis but Taylor knows that he can just keep tabs and mop up with the youngster missing so many darts for legs. Another big score - 135 - sees Lewis pull clear in this leg momentarily but Taylor matches it to remain within striking distance. Lewis has six from 226 but the first three are poor and 59 will leave him on 167. Taylor's ton puts him onto 161 and it's a shootout from here, which means you'd have to fancy Taylor. Lewis, though, has other ideas and sets up 36 with a delightful third dart. In it goes - perhaps a change of scenery is a worthwhile tactic.
Lewis 1-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-3)

SET FIVE, LEG TWO
Lewis finally returns to his best with a 140 but it's not worth much with Taylor in behind with a 137. Lewis, however, keeps hammering away with a 125 although those pulls left need to go if he's to keep tabs on Taylor, who returns with a 96 to leave 114. From 80 behind, Lewis manages 93 to leave 101 and he'll have a chance at it after some sloppy darts from Taylor, that is until a treble 19 at least leaves him on 32. Lewis hits the treble 20, the single nine, but misses another at double - and by some distance. Taylor makes no mistake again, hitting double 16 first go.
Lewis 0-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-3)

SET FIVE, LEG ONE, LEWIS TO THROW FIRST
Lewis throws first and must, MUST win this set. No early fireworks here with both men throwing to their average, Lewis just pulling a couple into the treble five bed to keep down his scores. Taylor can't really take advantage and Lewis is first to a finish despite over-correcting with a treble one, as he turns that into 123 to leave 133. Taylor's 55 leaves 146 so it should be six from here as he fires a meek 44. Taylor applies maximum pressure with a ton, so this has to go. Big mistake, though, as Lewis pulls another dart into the treble five and can't get to a double. Taylor smells blood and hits double 16 after a single 12 for a real steal.
Lewis 0-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-3)

INTERVAL: Lewis is averaging 96.16 and Taylor 96.98 - in scoring terms, this is no classic. Yet it's been utterly enthralling. Every set has gone the distance and it's the 20 darts Lewis has missed at double which explain the scoreline. He's arguably been the better player with 46 scores of 100 and upwards to Taylor's 40, and a maximum lead of eight to two. But these numbers don't really matter. What matters is that in deciding legs for sets two and four, Taylor had one dart left and hit his target, and in set three he also pounced on a Lewis mistake to hit tops. Not sure I see a way back for the Welshman.

SET FOUR, LEG FIVE
Every set has gone the distance. Phil throws 60, 81 to open this one and Lewis is better, with 100 followed by 140 to give himself a chance. Taylor's third visit is much better as he bags a big 140, but Lewis is first to a finish as he leaves 164. Taylor switches to 19s, brilliantly, to leave 86 should Lewis fail to hit this big one and that he will after two single 20s and an 18 - chance gone, perhaps. It's Phil now for 86. Two 18s leave bullseye for a 3-1 lead...but he misses. This is must-hit material for Lewis, who has 106 after that weak visit. First dart low. Second dart hits treble 18. Double 16, for the set... misses. He's had darts for every set since the opener. Taylor misses double eight. But he hits it the second time. A virtual replica of the second set. How Lewis has lost sets two, three and four I'm not sure. But he has. Mountain to climb.
Lewis 2-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-3)

SET FOUR, LEG FOUR
Where has this man been?! It's an opening 135 to really take the set by the scruff of the neck, although Taylor replied with his 16th 140 of the match. Lewis is solid with 100 - he knows that with darts in hand, 15 might be enough to win this. Or will they? Taylor pops in a 174 to work his way down to 187 through six. Lewis, under pressure, hits 99 to scrape to a finish but at 167 it's a big one. Taylor, back inside that treble bed, throws a mighty 171 to leave 16 through nine darts. Lewis first for 167... Yes... Yes... NO! Scrapes the wire of bullseye, another dart for the set missed. Taylor hits double 10 and wins the best leg of the match.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG THREE
Taylor opens with 100 and again, Lewis is on top of it with a 140 - he's scoring heavier than Taylor, marginally, but those missed doubles - 17 already, versus 11 for Phil - are the difference right now. He has half a chance here, though, as Taylor can't find a treble - Lewis is 40 ahead after nine darts. Taylor, from 241, again struggles to find the red bit and a pulled last dart makes for 45 - the half chance is a bonafide one now. Two trebles, this time down at 19, see Lewis leave 67 and that's a quality set-up in the circumstances as Taylor again can't find a treble and is back on 136. Lewis hits 17, 18 but then misses double 16. This would hurt. Taylor misses the first treble, though, and Lewis is back for three more. He needs just one and is throwing for the set!
Lewis 2-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG TWO
Another 140 from Lewis, his 11th. He trails Taylor in that department but chiefly because he's converted many more maximums. Taylor is a good way behind after nine darts each and Lewis bags another 140 to bump up that average and leave just 61. Taylor, for once, has probably given this one up... or has he? A 140 leaves 158. Lewis hits treble 15 and then misses two more darts at double, both on double eight. Taylor can't find his big trebles and hits just 60, and at last Lewis stops the rot on double four.
Lewis 1-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-2)

SET FOUR, LEG ONE, TAYLOR TO THROW FIRST
It's 137 to start from Taylor. Lewis is shaken but to his credit responds with a 121 - winning this leg might at least get him back on the right path mentally. Taylor offers a half chance with just 85 but Lewis can only hit 100 and there's nothing in it (well, one point) through six. Taylor is back inside the treble 20 with a 140 but that's another 180 from Lewis, his eighth, to leave 100. Taylor has 139 first but can't find treble 13 with his second dart - he has 58 left if he gets the chance. Lewis can't find a treble, leaving 40, so Taylor will throw for the leg and it's two at tops. He misses the first, and the second, and has his head in his hands. Lewis for double 20, the first is low, the second is wide, and he's miles away from double five. Not good enough on the doubles right now. Taylor mops up on double 10.
Lewis 0-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-2)

SET THREE, LEG FIVE
It's a solid 97, 100 start from Lewis, throwing for it, but Taylor is on top after 174 and 95. Lewis needs a big one and gets it, thanks to his seventh maximum, and there are no words to do justice to the quality of those darts as he flies down to 124. Taylor is stung by that and 58 isn't enough - six darts for the set for Lewis. He starts with treble 20, then hits single 16 twice to leave 32. He'll be under pressure after a 134 from Taylor leaves 40. These are huge, huge darts for the Welshman. The first misses on the inside. The second misses on the inside. The third misses on the outside. Taylor, gamesmanship levels high, is back for 40 - and makes no mistake despite a chorus of boos. It could be 3-0 Lewis. It's 2-1 Taylor.
Lewis 2-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-2)

SET THREE, LEG FOUR
Lewis favourite for the set now after a sixth maximum after Taylor had thrown just 59 to open the leg. Taylor follows his abject start with 60-odd and while Lewis can't find another treble, he's ahead against the darts. Back comes Taylor with a 140 but Lewis is first to a finish thanks to 100 to leave 167. Taylor's response is good, a 140 leaving 100. Here we go again - virtually every leg has gone to the wire. It's 97 from Lewis to leave 70. Phil, though, pulls off a sumptuous two-dart 100 checkout on double 20 to force another deciding leg. We could be here all nigth.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-1)

SET THREE, LEG THREE
All six legs Lewis has one have come via double 16 as he starts this leg with a pair of 100s. Taylor suffers another bounce-out but it's still a 131, 117 start to edge 50 ahead. Lewis responds with a 140 to get down to a finish, albeit a big one, and Taylor's 60 leaves him back on 193. Lewis now just looking to leave a nice finish but can't find a treble and is still on 104. Taylor may feel like he has six from 193 and the first three are good, leaving him 96. Lewis now for the leg starts with treble 20, hits the big 12... and just misses double 16. These are the chances Taylor takes. In goes the treble 20. Miss. Miss. Two darts at double 18 go begging. Lewis is back for 32 and misses - inside this time. Double eight next. Miss. Huge pressure. Hits it. What a brave dart that was.
Lewis 2-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-1)

SET THREE, LEG TWO
Taylor suffers a bounce-out in an opening 80 but follows it with a maximum, his second, to open up a 100-point lead after six darts each. Taylor's 99 is enough in the circumstances and only a maximum will do for Lewis here. In goes the first. And the second. The third is a single, though, and he's on 201 as Taylor throws for 142. Solid enough from Taylor to leave 58 but he'll be under pressure after a 140 from Lewis to leave 61. Taylor, then, leaves double top for the leg. The first one misses, and the second is low! Lewis has a big chance here. One dart. Double 16. BANG! In it goes.
Lewis 1-1 Taylor (Sets 1-1)

SET THREE, LEG ONE, LEWIS TO THROW FIRST
After all that we're effectively on throw as Lewis gets us back under way with a 96, which Taylor follows with another 60 - too many trebleless visits for his liking. Another 96 from Lewis allows Taylor to level up with a 140 and the door is open now with a 46 from Lewis. Taylor, though, can only make 55 and while this has been gripping stuff, it won't concern the other two in this tournament. Another 45 from Lewis but this time Taylor doesn't let him get away with it, throwing 140 to leave 106. Lewis is back on track with a 140 of his own to leave 77 and again it will come down to who can take a mid-range opportunity. Taylor is first to try but misses double 13. Lewis leaves himself double top for the first time today and is just a shade high. Big chance gone. Taylor returns and hits double 13 for the break.
Lewis 0-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-1)

INTERVAL: Semi-finals are best-of-11 and there is a long way to go, but how those last couple of throws from Lewis will have hurt him. He had nine from 221 as things transpired, but needed a 10th and Taylor wouldn't let him have it. It was a very brave, classy double eight from Taylor to keep the scores level. We've had the maximum 10 legs so far. Lewis is averaging 97.17, Taylor 97.67. It's 5/9 Lewis and 5/10 Taylor on doubles. The stats say there's not much between them, the scoreline says there's nothing between them.

SET TWO, LEG FIVE
Phil starts with 60, but can only throw treble one and a single 20 for 83. Lewis also starts with a treble 20 and is also frustrated as he returns a modest 100, which Taylor then matches. A big throw for either man could take control of this set and it comes from Lewis! It's another maximum! He's down to 221 with Taylor on 318. Phil responds with 100 but that's the darts stolen by the younger man. Needs a treble here, though, and can't find it - in fact, it's 43. What a time to go missing. Taylor can get to a finish first and does so with a 135 to leave 83. Lewis is back on 178 and Phil knows he's halfway to a dodged bullet. Lewis leaves 82 but Taylor first for 83. It's 17... 16... and he misses bull for the set. Lewis now - 20, treble 12... but he pulls his attempt at double 13. What drama we have already here. Taylor is back for 25 and has one dart left at double eight... AND HITS IT! Relief etched across his face. We're level.
Lewis 2-3 Taylor (Sets: 1-1)

SET TWO, LEG FOUR
Important for Lewis not to give Taylor a freebie here as they share 100s to start. Lewis knows that and it's a brilliant 180, his third of the match, which is followed by just 43 from Taylor. Lewis is right back in the red bit and it's another 180 to leave 41 after nine darts. Taylor chucks in 140 but still isn't on a finish as Lewis leaves himself double 16 for an 11-dart leg. Both tries go begging, but he'll be back and Phil doesn't exactly pile on the pressure - he's still not on a finish. Lewis makes no mistake this time and we have a big decider here.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-0)

SET TWO, LEG THREE
Bit of early pressure on Taylor here but it's a solid start to the leg, his second visit returning 137 to edge ahead by 36 points through six darts. Taylor then squeezes in a second treble 20 for a 140 and will again have 128 for the leg, with Lewis not yet on a finish. He starts with the treble 20 but can't hit it again, so it's down to single 16 to leave double on his return. Lewis knows this leg is probably gone and there's no real impetus to his throw. He's way back as Taylor hits double 16 with his first go.
Lewis 1-2 Taylor (Sets: 1-0)

SET TWO, LEG TWO
Just 60 from Lewis but Phil doesn't really punish it with 95. However, Taylor does have control now after a 134 with Lewis momentarily losing his height, although that too is rectified with a 140. Taylor goes 19 instead of bull to leave 173, rather than 170 had he hit 25, but Lewis gets an unlucky break and is even further back. Taylor is sloppy, though, throwing 45 to leave 128 and that allows Lewis to give himself a chance with a 131 to leave 44 - a quality set-up. Taylor hits 18, treble 20 to leave bull for the leg but just misses and Lewis can steal it on double 16 at the second attempt. Very comfortable down there.
Lewis 1-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-0)

SET TWO, LEG ONE, TAYLOR TO THROW FIRST
It's back on with 85 from Taylor, which Lewis eats up with 140 - his fifth. Taylor can't find the treble bed with a 57 but is back on track with a 140 soon after. There's a fag paper between them after nine darts but Taylor has his range again to leave 79 with another 140. Lewis can't apply any sort of pressure, his 58 leaving 150, and Taylor tidies up the 79 checkout on double six.
Lewis 0-1 Taylor (Sets: 1-0)

INTERVAL: That was breathless stuff, and a real statement from Lewis. Yes, he had the darts in that opening stanza but there's winning a set, and there's WINNING A SET. His was the latter - Taylor does not expect to lose a set from 2-0 in front.

SET ONE, LEG FIVE
It's just 60 for Lewis. Ouch. Taylor steps in with a solid but unspectacular 96, and that allows Lewis to recover with a big 140. He's averaging around 100 as the last dart hits the board. Taylor throws another so-so score and Lewis follows suit - it's Lewis 241, Taylor 269. Lewis is still in control with darts in hand and two big trebles - AND A THIRD! - show that he's right in this. Right down to 61. Phil isn't scoring now and isn't on a finish - six for the set. It's 15 to start, 46 left. In goes 14. Double 16 misses left and he'll be back for the set. Taylor piles on the pressure with 131 to leave 40. What have you got, kid? The lot! It's double 16 for the set!
Lewis 3-2 Taylor

SET ONE, LEG FOUR
Door. Open. Taylor starts 43 throwing for the set and Lewis is frustrated to only make 100 after an opening treble 20. Taylor's 96 is better, but Lewis can take over here with a big one and does so with an aggressive 140. Taylor is 101 in arrears through six darts and another 96 isn't enough. Lewis now has the darts and they're good ones, too, with a treble 19 for his own 96 to get down to 165. It's not a finish but he'll have at least six for it from there after Phil throws a meagre 45. In goes a treble 20, and another, from Lewis, who hits the big 13 to leave 32. Superb fightback from 2-0 down. Taylor puts on the pressure with a 140 to leave 81. But Lewis hits double 16 and will throw for the set. Huge leg coming.
Lewis 2-2 Taylor

SET ONE, LEG THREE
Lewis can't find a treble with his first three darts and Taylor slots in 131 to immediately take control of the leg. First set could be over in no time here as he backs it up with a 140 - this is a level Lewis probably can't match. The Welshman does respond with 140 of his own but Taylor is first to a finish, leaving 148 after nine. Lewis probably still has six from 201 and the first two find the treble 20 bed - quality set-up, leaving 62. Taylor's first dart at 148 is wild and he leaves 67. Lewis, then, for an important statement. He goes 20 for double 16 and hits it. Quality dart young man.
Lewis 1-2 Taylor

SET ONE, LEG TWO
After a 60 apiece, Taylor lobs in the first maximum of the match and is averaging north of 110 at this very early stage. A classy, switching 174 follows to leave 87 after nine darts and while Lewis throws 135, he's miles adrift. Taylor doesn't have to bother with bullseye, leaving 32 for a 13-dart leg. He hits it, right on the heels of a first 180 from Lewis.
Lewis 0-2 Taylor

SET ONE, LEG ONE - Lewis to throw first
Over the top, perhaps, but feels like a must hold for Lewis. Starts with 45, which won't do, but in goes a first 140 straight after to rectify things. Taylor follows with one of his own to nose ahead. Lewis squeezes one into the treble 19 bed on his next throw and there's little in it. Still, needs a big score from 218 to leave a handy finish and 95 is only okay, leaving 123. Taylor, on 169 already, pops in a 137 to leave 32. Lewis can't find a treble and Taylor will throw for a break. Miss. Hit. 1-0 Taylor.
Lewis 0-1 Taylor

1952: Tremendous player though, obviously. Some of the darts he threw last night were vintage, too; just felt that when pushed he might buckle a little. His opening three darts in what proved to be the final leg showed a little vulnerability which Anderson couldn't quite prise open.

1951: Taylor, by contrast, is loving this. I will try to keep my personal opinions about the man to one side for an evening.

1949: Stage walks. Darts still hasn't quite captured the drama of boxing on this front but I suppose until they let the players chuck darts at each other, they won't really be able to. Here comes Lewis. He looks like a frightened rabbit, to be honest. Think that's always the case. Reminds me a bit of countryman Noel from Hear'Say.

1943: Lewis interview now showing on Sky Sports. Seems a nice lad. He'll need to be more than nice to make history.

1942: I am expecting fireworks in the second semi-final. Thought we'd get them last night but it was a subdued start to the all-Dutch affair which MVG eventually won 5-4, without being at his best.

Tonight, there should be more than enough maximums to cover Sky Bet's line of 25.5 and I wouldn't put anyone off backing a 170 checkout at 4/1 generally and a nine-dart finish - yes, I said it - at double-figure odds.

These two should serve up a cracker. Again, MVG is a worthy odds-on favourite against an opponent to whom this is all new, but Cross's rise has been so breathlessly steep that it would be a little silly to rule out the upset.

So, so ready.

1937: I don't have much of a view here, to be honest. I expect Taylor will win something like 6-3 but I'm fascinated to see what happens if someone gets ahead of him early. Taylor will be putting a lot of pressure on himself here and I'm not sure he can be relied upon to respond in the right way anymore.

Gary Anderson certainly missed an opportunity last night with that third and fourth set meltdown, which saw him lose six legs on the spin. If Lewis can take the first set and keep his average ticking over in three figures, it will ask a question of The Power. We've not really seen that yet.

And while the situation could be too much for Lewis, the truth is we simply don't know. What we do know is he destroyed a world-class rival two rounds back...

1935: Courtesy of our darts guru Chris Hammer, here's some key info ahead of the first game on the oche which is just 15 minutes away now.

Head-to-head record

Taylor 2 wins, Lewis 0 wins

• Taylor 6-0 Lewis (UK Open Qualifier, Feb 2016)
• Taylor 6-1 Lewis (Gibraltar Darts Trophy, June 2013)

Routes to the semi-finals

Phil Taylor

• First round: 3-1 v Chris Dobey
  (Ave: 96.33, 180s: 3, Doubles: 11/25)
• Second round: 4-0 v Justin Pipe
  (Ave: 99.37, 180s: 2, Doubles: 12/22)
• Third round: 4-0 v Keegan Brown
  (Ave: 101.34, 180s: 4, Doubles: 12/19)
• Quarter-finals: 5-3 v Gary Anderson
  (Ave: 102.02, 180s: 12, Doubles: 20/40)

Jamie Lewis

• Preliminary round: 2-1 v Kenny Neyens
  (Ave: 93.17, 180s: 2, Doubles: 8/17)
• First round: 3-0 v Jonny Clayton
  (Ave: 99.02, 180s: 5, Doubles: 9/18)
• Second round: 4-1 v Peter Wright
  (Ave: 107.27, 180s: 13, Doubles: 14/26)
• Third round: 4-1 v James Richardson
  (Ave: 96.25, 180s: 5, Doubles: 14/32)
• Quarter-finals: 5-0 v Darren Webster
  (Ave: 101.26, 180s: 14, Doubles: 15/36)

Tournament stats so far

Overall Average
Taylor: 100.08
Lewis: 99.88

Total 180s
Taylor: 21
Lewis: 39

Checkout percentage
Taylor: 51.89% (55/106)
Lewis: 46.51% (60/129)

100+ checkouts
Taylor (8): 126, 122, 119, 115, 112, 106, 105, 100
Lewis (8): 170, 147, 130, 126, 125, 123, 121 (x2)

1930: Right then, here we go. Ben Coley here, bringing you live coverage of two fascinating semi-finals. First up it's Phil Taylor v Jamie Lewis, a match for which Taylor is a 1/5 favourite. He'd have been 1/12 or shorter to beat the same rival on the first night of the tournament, but since then Lewis has produced the darts of his life. If the 7/2 underdog can find something like the performance which did for Peter Wright, he'll push Taylor here.

It's a fairly big 'if' given the occasion. This is no ordinary semi-final, no ordinary prize at stake. To reach the final as a 500/1 qualifier is one thing; to do so by ending the career of the greatest player in the sport's history? Maybe that's just a little too much.

We will find out soon but while we wait, and I grab some head-to-head info, check out Sky Bet's 8/1 flash boost.

1830: In little more than an hour, Phil Taylor will bid to make the final of the PDC World Darts Championship one last time. Standing in his way, a 500/1 outsider who has produced some remarkable performances to reach his first semi-final and earn the chance to make history.

And then, tournament favourite Michael van Gerwen faces rising star Rob Cross, who has hit more 180s than any other player in what's his debut in the event. Little more than a year ago, Cross was plying his trade as an electrician but now stands in the way of MVG, who is seeking a third world title.

It promises to be a fascinating evening. Make sure you join us from 1930 GMT for leg-by-leg coverage.

More related darts links

• Sky Bet's World Darts Championship odds
• World Darts Championship draw, schedule & results
• PDC tournament calendar & results for 2017