Wade, van Gerwen Progress to World Matchplay Final

James Wade and Michael van Gerwen booked their places in the final of the BetVictor World Matchplay Championship on Saturday—Wade pulled the shock of the tournament so far by dethroning Phil Taylor, while Van Gerwen subdued Peter Wright. 

15-time conqueror of the World Matchplay Championship, Phil Taylor—his search of an unprecedented 16th title was disrupted by James Wade as The Machine dismantled Taylor 17-14 on Saturday night. The hurdle in his way of his first triumph since 2007, Michael van Gerwen. 

The World Number One overpowered flamboyant Scot Peter Wright, 17-12, as this year's exception of Phil Taylor makes it the first final since 2007 that hasn't incorporated The Power. 

"Phil's beaten me so many times so I'm a bit numb, but I'm really happy," said Wade. "I certainly didn't expect Phil to play like that but I've beaten him and can look forward to the final.

"I've not played my best but I've caught a man when he is struggling, and Phil doesn't normally struggle here so I'm grateful; it's a big weight off my shoulders. 

"I've got the self-belief at the moment. I've had hidings from Phil, been up before and he's punched me all around the stage and normally he beats me and beats me, and this time he didn't have any big punches in him.

"I came here tonight and had a good idea of what was about to occur, and I thought I was going to play much better. I hit probably six finishes with my very last Darts. "

The Machine, who had not enjoyed much success against Taylor in the past, added: "I really wanted to play Phil Taylor this week and Michael too, because I'm feeling good and I want to play against the best." 

Van Gerwen dismantles Wright 

Michael van Gerwen was fortunate to advance in the last round against Diamond Ian White, but the World Number One had rarely any troubles on this occasion as he comfortably dismantled Peter Wright. 

Peter Wright's performance wasn't bad by any measure - Michael van Gerwen was just playing superbly - not to his full ridiculous potential, such illustrated against Jamie Lewis in the second round - but the flamboyant 2014 World Champion was prospering. 

Snakebite secured the first leg on the board on double 18, as both raced out of the blocks. Van Gerwen briefly flirted with the illustrious nine-dart-finish, effortlessly firing in six perfect Darts - The Green Machine could not escort his seventh dart, however, precipitating jeers from the ever-churlish audience. 

The eccentric and colourful Scot tried to build some momentum going into the second break, but every time he seemed to be shifting gears, van Gerwen responded. The Scottish challenger had a short revival after the third break, but no avail. 

Wright produced some darting magnificence as he powered in a 161 checkout in leg fifteen, but Mighty Mike responded as the 26-year-old nailed his seventh 180 en route to another leg registered on the board. 

The number four seed appeared resigned to his fate while 14-8 down, but he eventually reduced the deficit. An 11-darter from Wright as he hit his seventh 180 and pinned D16 to trail 14-11. 

But the dynamic comeback was soon cancelled out by The Green Machine, as the Number One ranked player in the PDC reached his second successive World Matchplay final after an emphatic 17-12 triumph over his bitter rival. 

"This is fantastic for me," said Van Gerwen. "It was a great performance and though I can do better than this, I really enjoyed my win. 

"It's a fantastic feeling and I hope I can carry this on for the final. I'm feeling really good." 

Van Gerwen was reduced to tears following last year's crushing final defeat to Phil Taylor, but James Wade stands in the way of Mighty Mike in Sunday night's final after dismantling The Power 17-14, as the 26-year-old seeks to add the prestigious trophy to his array of titles. 

"In one way, it's a bonus, but I also desired to play Phil because revenge would be nice!" van Gerwen said, rather humorously. "I'm a big favourite against James but he played phenomenal Darts to beat Phil, and I have to prepare myself as well as possible because he's a fantastic player. 

The World Number One added: "It would be really special to win this tournament, and I hope I can see myself holding the trophy tomorrow night." 

Wade dethrones Taylor 

The night began with a beguile encounter between Phil Taylor and James Wade, who stayed neck-and-neck throughout their congenial battle. 

Despite his heavy scoring, Taylor could not shake off the persistent Wade in the early stages of the contest. The Aldershot man was nipping at his heels like a tenacious terrier - which clearly embroiled The Power. 

Taylor resumed his onslaught and stamped his authority on the game by fabricating a terrific 10-darter early on, dampening The Machine's spirits. 

The Machine momentarily disintegrated after an abject start to the second mini-session as Taylor took an advantageous 7-5 cushion but Wade quickly fought back, securing five legs on the spin. The Power spontaneously broke Wade's throw throughout the first 15 legs - breaking The Machine's throw four times, in fact. 

 'There's only one Phil Taylor' chorused around the illustrious Winter Gardens after the fifteen-time winner of the World Matchplay Championship took his effect on proceedings by effortlessly finishing 97 courtesy of a single 19, double 19 and double 20 checkout, and a terrific 14-darter which incorporated a second 177 opening of the contest saw The Power level at nine apiece. But Wade quickly reacted, as the left-hander crucially broke the Taylor throw to narrowly lead. 

Phil's smiled had long since disappeared and his frown deepened as Wade cleaned up 65 with unerring accuracy. The Machine took a commanding 16-13 lead, prompting harsh 'Taylor's going home' chants from the crowd. Controversy followed, with Wade incredibly squandering six match-Darts - Taylor capitalized by pinning double 16 to stay alive. 

It hurt Wade. The 2007 winner's nerves were jangling and the eight Darts spurned at multiple doubles illustrated that - Taylor was quickly seizing his reprieve - could The Master Of Darts stage an abrupt comeback and capitalize on The Machine's all-of-a-sudden flustered psyche?

No. James Wade wrapped up victory and dispatched the comeback of all comebacks on double 20, booking his irreplaceable place in the final.

The Machine dethroned the King Of The Matchplay by defying a sufficient 97 average, but it was arguably the spectacular consistency that booked Wade's place in the final. Taylor's unprecedented 38-game undefeated record in Blackpool has finally been imploded by the 2007 Champion. The Machine against The Green Machine in Sunday night's final will be a theatrical and confined encounter, and after Wade laid down a huge marker by conquering The Power - the 32-year-old won't resolve for consolation on Sunday night against Van Gerwen.