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)
• (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 . 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.

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 . 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 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, .

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.