World Darts semi-finals: Leg-by-leg reports and highlights from Peter Wright 6-3 Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Nathan Aspinall

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• Michael van Gerwen 6-3 Nathan Aspinall
• Peter Wright 6-3 Gerwyn Price
• Final: Michael van Gerwen v Peter Wright
  New Year's Day, 7pm, (Best of 13 sets)

Michael van Gerwen to play Peter Wright in the World Championship final

So it'll be a repeat of the 2014 final between Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright on New Year's Day after the defending champion sluggishly battles past Nathan Aspinall 6-3 at the Ally Pally.

It was far from a vintage night of semi-final action, with both Aspinall and Price left to rue their wasteful finishing against their opponents who were also well below their bests and vocally disappointed with their respective performances.

Van Gerwen will hold no fears about facing Snakebite having beaten him in all nine of their major televised finals and will start as odds-on favourite - but on tonight's evidence he does look vulnerable.

Wright, who has lost 12 of his previous 13 major TV finals, was the best player on the night and maybe it's finally time to land the biggest title of them all.

Match Stats

Averages

• MVG: 96.34
• Aspinall: 92.04

180s

• MVG: 3
• Aspinall: 9

Doubles

• MVG: 21/52 (40.38%)
• Aspinall: 18/51 (35.29%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: 103
• Aspinall: 124, 110, 107

SET NINE SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-1 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 6-3 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Four
  A visit of two treble ones and a treble five sums up Aspinall's night as yet again he can't put pressure on another below par leg from MVG, who takes it in 17 darts to complete his victory.
  MVG 3-1 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  The UK Open champion picks off 67 with MVG waiting on 160 to keep the match going but it's probably just delaying the inevitable.
  MVG 2-1 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Van Gerwen presents Aspinall with an opportunity to break straight back when he misses two darts at double 16 but his opponent can't muster an attempt at the outer ring from 108.
  MVG 2-0 Aspinall
• Leg One, Aspinall to throw first
  It looks as though this semi-final is drawing to a conclusion as MVG takes out 72 for a 14-dart break to move two legs away from yet another final.
  MVG 1-0 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 5-3 Nathan Aspinall: Sixth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: MVG is now 1/10 after his lead was clipped while you can back the underdog at 6/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 96.65
• Aspinall: 92.73

180s

• MVG: 3
• Aspinall: 9

Doubles

• MVG: 18/45 (40%)
• Aspinall: 17/49 (34.69%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: 103
• Aspinall: 124, 110, 107

SET EIGHT SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-2 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 5-3 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  The woes of the previous leg are suddenly a distant memory for MVG, who puts together a much more solid leg to take it in 14 darts with a 68 checkout. He's now one set away from the final.
  MVG 3-2 Aspinall
• Leg Four
  Ridiculously poor finishing from both players but in the end it's Aspinall who holds in 23 darts to force a deciding leg. Van Gerwen blew five more darts at a double after missing tops for a 108 checkout, before pinning double one after splitting the five to leave three! He's then made to pay, eventually, by Aspinall landing his fifth attempt in the leg.
  MVG 2-2 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  A fired up MVG bounces back with a 15-dart hold and he's now one leg away from moving within a set of victory.
  MVG 2-1 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Well that sums up the match so far. Aspinall starts with a 180 and a 140 while MVG kicks off his turns with 177 and 140. But with 124 remaining after a poor score of 57, Aspinall manages only 17 before taking out a 107 checkout!
  MVG 1-1 Aspinall

• Leg One, MVG to throw first
  MVG defies Aspinall's ninth maximum - which his six more than he's managed - by holding in 14 darts as he looks to regain firm control of the contest.
  MVG 1-0 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 4-3 Nathan Aspinall: Fifth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: MVG is now 1/10 after his lead was clipped while you can back the underdog at 6/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 96.41
• Aspinall: 93.32

180s

• MVG: 3
• Aspinall: 7

Doubles

• MVG: 15/34 (44.12%)
• Aspinall: 15/42 (35.42%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: 103
• Aspinall: 124, 110

SET SEVEN SCORE: Van Gerwen 0-3 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 4-3 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Three
  Aspinall is on a roll now as a seventh 180 and another of 140 help him race away for a 14-dart hold and, crucially, the seventh set.
  MVG 0-3 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Are we starting to see a plucky comeback from the underdog?! After being blitzed in the previous set he now has a chance to pull off a whitewash of his own after punishing MVG for two missed darts at doubles from 52. Aspinall pins double 16 for a 16-darter which will come as huge relief having blown two attempts at the same target in his previous visit.
  MVG 0-2 Aspinall
• Leg One, Aspinall to throw first
  The UK Open champion shows no sign of rolling over at the start of this set as a sixth 180 leaves him 84, which he takes out for a 12-darter with MVG back on 206.
  MVG 0-1 Aspinall

SET SIX SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-0 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 4-2 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Three
  The Dutchman races through the leg in 13 darts, with help from a third 180, and maybe now we're seeing the true MVG turn up. That's all the more agonising for Aspinall, who'll feel he missed too many chances when his opponent was off the pace.
  MVG 3-0 Aspinall

• Leg Two
  Much better from MVG as visits of 180, 140 and 135 pave the way for an 11 darter although he was put under pressure by Aspinall as he waited for a chance at 80.
  MVG 2-0 Aspinall
• Leg One, MVG to throw first
  Aspinall can't afford to run out of steam here because MVG is still nowhere near his best. He fires in his fifth 180 of the match but it's too little too late as far as this leg is concerned due to earlier visits of 58 and 40, and MVG trundles to the finish line in 17 darts.
  MVG 1-0 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 3-2 Nathan Aspinall: Fourth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: MVG is now 1/12 despite being well below his best while Aspinall is out to 13/2. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 96.05
• Aspinall: 92.6

180s

• MVG: 1
• Aspinall: 4

Doubles

• MVG: 12/28 (42.86%)
• Aspinall: 12/35 (34.29%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: 103
• Aspinall: 124, 110

SET FIVE SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-2 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-2 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  This is very uncomfortable to watch. No matter who you've backed you'll be thinking "if he played near his best he'd be running away with it" and both players will be feeling as frustrated as reach other. Van Gerwen will be slightly happier though having nicked the set with a 14-darter after Aspinall just missed tops to complete a 96 checkout, which also included a double 18. The Asp will also be feeling pained during the break after following up visits of 140 and 180 with efforts of 40 and 45.
  MVG 3-2 Aspinall
• Leg Four
  Van Gerwen is improving on his own throw and comfortably holds in 15 darts, although he's still only managed a single maximum in the entire match so far.
  MVG 2-2 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  MVG so nearly steals a break of throw when just going outside of double 18 for a 156 checkout after two treble 20s, and Aspinall holds his nerve to finish off a tense 17-dart leg.
  MVG 1-2 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Van Gerwen is playing exactly how Aspinall backers, like myself, needed him to in order to give the UK Open champion a genuine chance, but it doesn't feel as if it's being taken despite the level pegging scoreline. MVG does up his game in this leg, however, when a 174 visit sets up a 13-darter.
  MVG 1-1 Aspinall
• Leg One, Aspinall to throw first
  Another really poor leg of darts from both players, who are somehow still averaging in the mid 90s, and Aspinall escapes with a 20-dart hold after pinning double 10 when MVG left 36 after a pressurising 134.
  MVG 0-1 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 2-2 Nathan Aspinall: Third interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: MVG is still favourite but his odds have lengthened to 1/4, with Aspinall available at 3/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 95.7
• Aspinall: 94.26

180s

• MVG: 1
• Aspinall: 3

Doubles

• MVG: 9/22 (40.91%)
• Aspinall: 10/28 (35.71%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: 103
• Aspinall: 124, 110

SET FOUR SCORE: Van Gerwen 2-3 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 2-2 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  I may have spoken too soon as the Asp begins to find the trebles again to leave 110 after four visits and then takes it out to break the MVG throw and level the match.
  MVG 2-3 Aspinall
• Leg Four
  Like the first semi-final, we've got to be honest and say the standard of darts is disappointing and if Aspinall does lose, he'll be gutted he didn't put more pressure on MVG for this performance. That said he does take this leg in 19 darts - despite missing four darts at doubles no-less.
  MVG 2-2 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  The Stockport man will rue another leg in which he only hits two big trebles in five visits and MVG can hardly believe his luck to comfortably take another leg in as many as 18 darts.
  MVG 2-1 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Aspinall stops a mini rot that was developing with his third 180 en route to an impressive 13-darter as MVG trailed on 205 remaining.
  MVG 1-1 Aspinall

• Leg One, MVG to throw first
  Van Gerwen produces his first moment of proper quality with a 103 checkout - with Aspinall waiting on 78 - to hold his throw in 15 darts at the start of this fourth set.
  MVG 1-0 Aspinall

SET THREE SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-2 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 2-1 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Extreme frustration for Aspinall and his fans as he manages to find just two big trebles in his five visits to effectively lose the advantage of throw, even though MVG's scoring was lacklustre too. In the end the Dutchman pins double 16 for a set-winning 17-darter.
  MVG 3-2 Aspinall
• Leg Four
  MVG almost takes out 144 only to miss his attempt at double 12 and he spurns three more in his next visit to give Aspinall a chance from 106 which he fails to take. No more freebies.
  MVG 2-2 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  The 27-year-old former trainee accountant is unfazed and bounces back with four solid scoring visits before an 81 checkout under pressure denies MVG a chance to pin tops.
  MVG 1-2 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  The UK Open champion, who also won the US Darts Masters in a stellar 2019, blows a golden opportunity to open up a 2-0 lead in this set when missing three clear darts from 32 and is duly punished by MVG.
  MVG 1-1 Aspinall
• Leg One, Aspinall to throw first
  A confident Aspinall comes back out after the second interval with a spring in his step and visits of 140, 137 and his second maximum helps him take the leg in 15 darts - even though MVG applied pressure with his first 180 to leave 30.
  MVG 0-1 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 1-1 Nathan Aspinall: Second interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: MVG is still hot favourite at 1/6, with Aspinall available at 4/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 100.2
• Aspinall: 97.6

180s

• MVG: 0
• Aspinall: 1

Doubles

• MVG: 4/11 (36.36)
• Aspinall: 5/11 (45.45%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: NA
• Aspinall: 124

SET TWO SCORE: Van Gerwen 1-3 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 1-1 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Four
  We have a game on our hands as Aspinall hits the first 180 of the match en route to holding throw in 14 darts and take the set 3-1. Impressive stuff from the Stockport youngster in his second successive World Championship semi-final.
  MVG 1-3 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  A comfortable 15 dart hold for MVG, who pins double four to complete a 76 finish, with Aspinall back on 154.
  MVG 1-2 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  The defending champion blows a chance to break straight back when going inside on double seven for an attempted 88 finish. Aspinall keeps his cool from 43 to double his advantage. Still no maximums hit though!
  MVG 0-2 Aspinall
• Leg One, MVG to throw first
  Brilliant from the Asp, who bounces back from the agony of the previous set to produce a fine checkout from 124 that completes a 12-dart break of throw having earlier strung together three successive 100+ visits.
  MVG 0-1 Aspinall

Michael van Gerwen 1-0 Nathan Aspinall: First interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: The odds suggest MVG is going to run away with this and he's now 1/16 for victory, with Aspinall out at 8/1. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• MVG: 100.23
• Aspinall: 94.96

180s

• MVG: 0
• Aspinall: 0

Doubles

• MVG: 3/8 (37.5)
• Aspinall: 2/5 (40%)

100+ Checkouts

• MVG: NA
• Aspinall: NA

SET ONE SCORE: Van Gerwen 3-2 Aspinall
MATCH SCORE: Van Gerwen 1-0 Aspinall (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Agonising drama for the UK Open champion at the end of the set as he spurns a dart at double six to complete a 70 checkout after MVG missed two attempts at double 16 - and there's no reprieve when the Dutchman returns to the oche.
  MVG 3-2 Aspinall
• Leg Four
  We're going all the way in the opening set as MVG raises his levels to fire in three big 100+ visits before finishing from 36 for a 13-darter.
  MVG 2-2 Aspinall
• Leg Three
  A third successive 15-dart hold at the start of the match although this time Aspinall had to take out 76 knowing that van Gerwen was waiting on a very manageable 94.
  MVG 1-2 Aspinall
• Leg Two
  Van Gerwen levels it up with a 15-dart hold of his own and was also put under no pressure as Aspinall could only get down to 217.
  MVG 1-1 Aspinall
• Leg One, Aspinall to throw first
  A nerveless start from Nathan Aspinall in his first televised meeting with MVG and he takes out 65 for a 15-darter, with his opponent way back on 206.
  MVG 0-1 Aspinall

2120: The players are out on the oche, so let's resume the action...

2115: By contrast, Nathan Aspinall's journey to reach his second successive semi-final couldn't have been much tougher...

• Rd 1: 3-1 v Danny Baggish (Av: 95.38, 180s: 5, Doubles: 10/26)
• Rd 2: 4-3 v Krzysztof Ratajski (Av: 98.45, 180s: 8, Doubles: 18/42)
• Rd 3: 4-2 v Gary Anderson (Av: 97.97, 180s: 11, Doubles: 16/40)
• Rd 4: 5-3 v Dimitri Van den Bergh (Av: 95.31, 180s: 11, Doubles: 18/49)

The Asp overcame a nervy start against Danny Baggish before blowing a 3-1 lead to beat the dangerous Krzysztof Ratajski in a tense final-set decider.

Aspinall produced what he described as the performance of his life - despite winning the UK Open and US Darts Masters in a stardom reaching 2019 - by defeating two-time champion Gary Anderson and then resisted a plucky comeback from Dimitri Van den Bergh.

He's had to show a mix of quality and battling spirit to get this far once again and he'll have to repeat the trick - and more - to stand a chance of avoiding just his second ever Ally Pally defeat.

2112: Here's how Michael van Gerwen reached the semi-finals in supreme fashion

• Rd 1: 3-1 v Jelle Klaasen (Av: 96.28, 180s: 1, Doubles: 11/25)
• Rd 2: 4-0 v Ricky Evans (Av: 96.75, 180s: 10, Doubles: 12/28)
• Rd 3: 4-0 v Stephen Bunting (Av: 104.09, 180s: 7, Doubles: 12/25)
• Rd 4: 5-2 v Darius Labanauskas (Av: 99.5, 180s: 6, Doubles: 18/40)

In case you've forgotten as it feels a lifetime ago now, Michael van Gerwen threw the first of the tournament's eight 170 checkouts on opening night and that's about as dramatic as it's got for him.

After losing the opening set against Jelle Klaasen, he won 11 on the trot before the dogged Darius Labanauskas gave him some cause for frustration but overall, he's hardly broken sweat and will be ready to peak at just the right time.

2110: Now time for a quick preview to the second semi-final, starting with the head-to-head records.

• Head-to-head (MVG first)
  Overall: 2-2 (TV: 0-0)
  2019 Meetings: 1-2 (TV: 0-0)
  Career PDC titles: 133-3 (TV: 53-2)
  Titles this season: 14-2 (TV: 8-2)

Nathan Aspinall is one of the few players Michael van Gerwen hasn't beaten more times than he's lost - although none of their previous four meetings have been over a format longer than best of 11 legs, let alone sets!

That's taking nothing away from the Asp, who has won two of their three matches in 2019 including a 6-1 hammering back in February and their most recent on a stage environment in Gibraltar, edging it 6-3.

It'll be fascinating to see how he can cope with MVG's firepower in a long set play format, but he does have the battling qualities to pinch some 3-2 even if he loses others 3-0. It could be one of those games where he loses most legs but wins the match!

2110: There were no handshakes at the end of a frosty contest, which ignited after Price's over zealous celebration at the end of the second set, and Wright hardly celebrated his triumph.

In his post-match interview on Sky, the 49-year-old expressed his dissatisfaction with Price's behaviour and also admitted neither were happy with their own performances.

Nevertheless, Wright also spoke about his confidence of winning his 14th major televised final whoever he faces, although he has only managed once victory in his previous 13 - against Price in the 2017 UK Open final.

Nine of the defeats have come against Michael van Gerwen so he'll no doubt be hoping Nathan Aspinall pulls off a shock.

Peter Wright beats Gerwyn Price 6-3 to reach the World Darts Championship final!

Peter Wright is into his second World Darts Championship final after punishing Gerwyn Price for one of his worst performances of the season.

The Iceman had been odds-on favourite after an incredible 2019 that including a crushing victory over Wright in the Grand Slam of Darts final but he never got going and was deservedly beaten by the 2014 runner-up, who wasn't even at his best in a largely disappointing contest.

Match Stats

Averages

• Wright: 98.39
• Price: 89.94

180s

• Wright: 16
• Price: 9

Doubles

• Wright: 22/61 (36.07%)
• Price: 18/53 (33.96%)

100+ Checkouts

• Wright: 131, 100
• Price: 100

SET NINE SCORE: Wright 3-2 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 6-3 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Snakebite spurns a fourth match dart - albeit at bullseye for a 135 when he already had an arrow in the outer bull - and then a further two with eight remaining! This time Price can't take advantage as he blows two attempts of his own when trying to take out 72 and Wright then puts him out of his misery in the madhouse of double one!
  Wright 3-2 Price
• Leg Four
  Nervy moments for Wright's fans as their man misses three match darts - one at bullseye for a 161 and two at double 16 in the next visit - before Price holds his nerve from 77 to break in 14 darts.
  Wright 2-2 Price
• Leg Three
  Price delays what should be the inevitable by holding throw in 16 darts, defying Snakebite's 16th maximum in the process.
  Wright 2-1 Price
• Leg Two
  Snakebite is sailing towards the final, following up three 100+ visits and another of 81 with a 72 checkout. Price just isn't giving himself any opportunities and it'll take a minor miracle to turn this round now.
  Wright 2-0 Price

• Leg Two
  Snakebite is sailing towards the final, following up three 100+ visits and another of 81 with a 72 checkout. Price just isn't giving himself any opportunities and it'll take a minor miracle to turn this round now.
  Wright 2-0 Price
• Leg One, Price to throw first
  Wright set a personal best World Championship average in the last round with 105 and now, despite being under 100, he's broken his own record for 180s in an Ally Pally match with 15. Far more importantly, it puts him well on course for a break of throw, finishing the job with a 98 checkout, with a dejected Price back on 156.
  Wright 1-0 Price

Peter Wright 5-3 Gerwyn Price: Sixth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: Wright looks home and dry according to the odds at 1/9, while the pre-match favourite Price is now out to 5/1 for a comeback victory. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 98.85
• Price: 90.05

180s

• Wright: 14
• Price: 9

Doubles

• Wright: 19/51 (37.25%)
• Price: 16/48 (33.33%)

100+ Checkouts

• Wright: 131, 100
• Price: 100

SET EIGHT SCORE: Wright 3-1 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 5-3 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Four
  Wright is one set away from his second World Championship final after visits of 140, 134 and a 14th maximum leaves him 47, which he takes out for a 12-darter to deny Price a chance from 149.
  Wright 3-1 Price
• Leg Three
  Wright throws back-to-back 180s to leave 41 and although he busts it, Price is still way back on 221 and then can only leave 164. Snakebite makes no mistake this time as he edges ahead.
  Wright 2-1 Price
• Leg Two
  The standard improves a little in the second leg, with Price firing in a pair of 140s to recover from visits of 42 and 59 while he also produces a fine checkout of 78 when Wright was waiting on 32.
  Wright 1-1 Price
• Leg One, Wright to throw first
  Price fails to hit a treble until his 12th dart of this leg and but strangely still finds himself ahead at 239 compared to Wright's 274! However, Snakebite kicks into life with visits of 140 and 94 before taking out tops for a 20-dart hold. Price was still back on 115. Awful leg all round.
  Wright 1-0 Price

Peter Wright 4-3 Gerwyn Price: Fifth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: Wright is back to being favourite at 4/9 in this topsy turvy clash as far as the betting is concerned while Price is out to 7/4. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 99.1
• Price: 91.56

180s

• Wright: 11
• Price: 9

Doubles

• Wright: 16/44 (36.36%)
• Price: 15/47 (31.91%)

100+ Checkouts

• Wright: 131, 100
• Price: 100

SET SEVEN SCORE: Wright 3-2 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 4-3 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Snakebite, who beat Price in the 2017 UK Open to claim his first and only major title, takes control of the leg with four successive 100+ visits, including a set up shot of 137 to leave him 24, which he takes out with his last dart in hand.
  Wright 3-2 Price
• Leg Four
  The Welshman follows Wright's opening visit of 57 with one of 26 to make all amateur players feel good about their own games and never really recovers as Snakebite forces a deciding leg with a 16-dart hold.
  Wright 2-2 Price
• Leg Three
  Price just about keeps his nose in front with his third attempt at double in the leg but Wright will be kicking himself for not carving out a chance to finish from 98.
  Wright 1-2 Price
• Leg Two
  Both players add to their 180 tallies in this leg (Wright 11, Price 9) but Wright reaches a finish first and makes no mistake on tops to complete a 12-darter, with Price waiting on 122.
  Wright 1-1 Price
• Leg One, Price to throw first
  A pumped up Price has seemingly started to find his mojo again as he flies out of the blocks to set seven with an 11-darter that he kicked off with a eighth 180.
  Wright 0-1 Price

SET SIX SCORE: Wright 1-3 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 3-3 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Gerwyn Price has saved one of his worst performances in a high-profile match this year for the World Championship semi-finals but he might well get away with it after a 15-dart hold sees him level up the match. He's averaging 93.3 compared to Wright's 100, threw less 180s and missed more doubles but there's only one stat that really matters.
  Wright 1-3 Price
• Leg Three
  Double troubles from both players, who have now missed 54 attempts at the outer ring so far in this contest. Price blew two from 42 as a brilliant chance to break Wright seemed to pass him by but he got another chance - which he took - when his opponent spurned three from 20 having also missed tops in his previous visit.
  Wright 1-2 Price
• Leg Two
  Price busts from 20 but it matters little with Wright way back on 206 and he makes no mistake on his next visit to restore parity in the set.
  Wright 1-1 Price
• Leg One, Wright to throw first
  A steady if unspectacular leg is won on throw by Wright in 17 darts and he wasn't put under any pressure by a rather downbeat Price, who seems to be letting his performance get to him. Expect this to change if (and when?) he finds a purple patch of form.
  Wright 1-0 Price

Peter Wright 3-2 Gerwyn Price: Fourth interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: The superior Wright - as far as the stats are concerned - is favourite at 4/9 while Price has drifted to 13/8. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 101.42
• Price: 92.83

180s

• Wright: 10
• Price: 7

Doubles

• Wright: 12/31 (38.71%)
• Price: 10/32 (31.25%)

100+ Checkouts

• Wright: 131, 100
• Price: 100

SET FIVE SCORE: Wright 3-2 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 3-2 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Wright responds in kind to Price's seventh 180 by hitting his 10th and after the Iceman fails to reach a double from 124, Snakebite takes out 81 for a crucial 12-darter and a deserved overall lead.
  Wright 3-2 Price
• Leg Four
  Wright misses tops for yet another 100+ checkout from 104 for a 3-1 set lead but then blows a further three darts at a double as Price steals it. Out of nowhere, he'll throw for the set.
  Wright 2-2 Price
• Leg Three
  Price stops the rot by taking a mediocre and uneventful leg of darts although it'll be in vain if he can't break the Wright throw in the next.
  Wright 2-1 Price
• Leg Two
  Wright makes it five legs on the spin as he responds to Price's sixth 180 of the match for a 13-dart hold. He'd come close to a 127 checkout in the previous visit and then had to survive Price's attempt at bullseye for a 126.
  Wright 2-0 Price
• Leg One, Price to throw first
  Snakebite threatens the first nine-darter on this stage since Gary Anderson in the 2016 semi-finals but his seventh throw fails to find the treble 20. He still regains his composure to take out 81 for a 12-dart break at the start of the fifth set.
  Wright 1-0 Price

Peter Wright 2-2 Gerwyn Price: Third interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: The bookies can't split the pair, making them both 10/11 for victory. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 101.02
• Price: 90.9

180s

• Wright: 7
• Price: 5

Doubles

• Wright: 9/22 (40.91%)
• Price: 8/26 (30.77%)

100+ Checkouts

• Wright: 131, 100
• Price: 100

SET FOUR SCORE: Wright 3-0 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 2-2 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Three
  Justice done as far as overall quality is concerned as three big 100+ visits enables Wright to hold easily in 13-darts, with a below-par Price struggling back on 188. The match is now all square and the Grand Slam of Darts champion really needs to up his game.
  Wright 3-0 Price
• Leg Two
  Snakebite takes control of the leg after his seventh 180 left him just 24 when Price was back on 216 but three missed darts at doubles means he had to survive his opponent's attempt at tops before sealing the 16-dart break.
  Wright 2-0 Price
• Leg One, Wright to throw first
  Wright strings together three successive visits of 140 en route to a comfortable hold in 13 darts, although Price had given him something to think about after a 134 had left him 82.
  Wright 1-0 Price

SET THREE SCORE: Wright 1-3 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 1-2 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Four
  Price breaks straight back with a 100 checkout of his own under pressure to complete a 14-darter and move ahead in sets. The Welshman is still averaging seven points lower than his opponent with 93 but he steadily improving and winning the key legs.
  Wright 1-3 Price
• Leg Three
  The tournament's 100+ checkout specialist does it again for the second time in the match and the 15th overall as he finishes brilliantly from exactly a ton after Price missed the bullseye for a 170 attempt.
  Wright 1-2 Price
• Leg Two
  Price's third 180 helps him get down to 72 on Wright's throw and with his opponent waiting on 40, he finished clinically to complete a 15-darter and take full control of the set.
  Wright 0-2 Price
• Leg One, Price to throw first
  Incredible scoring from both players but the less said about the finishing the better! Price's second 180 of the match left him 96 when Wright was back on 384 but back-to-back maximums from Snakebite so nearly saw him capitalise on three missed darts at doubles from the Welshman. However, he fluffed his lines on double 12 and Price made him pay.
  Wright 0-1 Price

Peter Wright 1-1 Gerwyn Price: Second interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: Price is back to being favourite now at 8/11 while Wright, whose stats are still vastly superior, is now out to 11/10. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 101.15
• Price: 89.62

180s

• Wright: 3
• Price: 1

Doubles

• Wright: 5/11 (60%)
• Price: 5/16 (31.25%)

Highest Checkouts

• Wright: 131
• Price: 44

SET TWO SCORE: Wright 2-3 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 1-1 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Price is back and his reaction says it all! A superb visit of 150 leaves him 40, which he takes out with his last dart in hand on double 10, as Wright waited on 45. A trademark roar seems to irritate Wright, who doesn't really try too hard to avoid 'accidental' contact on their way off the stage. Spicy.
  Wright 2-3 Price

• Leg Four
  The Iceman is averaging 88 compared to Wright's 102 but he still manages to take this set to a deciding leg after holding throw under pressure in 16 darts, with Wright waiting on 44.
  Wright 2-2 Price
• Leg Three
  Price comes within the width of a wire of breaking the Wright throw but his attempt at double 12 to complete a 144 checkout falls inside. Wright responds by pinning double 16 for a 13-dart hold and is now one leg away from opening up a two-set lead.
  Wright 2-1 Price
• Leg Two
  Snakebite almost takes out a 116 checkout for a second successive 12-darter but he misses tops. A rattled Price seemingly blows his chance at the same target but is left off the hook as Wright misses three more attempts at doubles and it proves costly.
  Wright 1-1 Price
• Leg One, Wright to throw first
  "Peter, Peter Wright, Peter Wright, Peter, Peter Wright," rings out around the Ally Pally as Snakebite picks up where he left off with a 131 checkout with two double tops to complete a superb 12-darter, which also included visits of 180 and 135.
  Wright 1-0 Price

Peter Wright 1-0 Gerwyn Price: First interval stats

Sky Bet latest odds: Wright is now favourite to win this clash at 8/11 while Price is 11/10 after losing the advantage of his throw. Click here now for all the Sky Bet live darts markets including most 180s & highest checkout.

Averages

• Wright: 104.03
• Price: 89.48

180s

• Wright: 2
• Price: 1

Doubles

• Wright: 3/5 (60%)
• Price: 2/7 (28.57%)

Highest Checkouts

• Wright: 81
• Price: 44

SET ONE SCORE: Wright 3-2 Price
MATCH SCORE: Wright 1-0 Price (Best of 11 sets)

• Leg Five
  Wright takes the box seat by taking the first set against the throw, following up visits of 100 and 140 with his second maximum before finishing the job with an 81 checkout for an 11-darter. Superb stuff and the crowd are loving it.
  Wright 3-2 Price
• Leg Four
  We're going all the way to a decider in this opening set as Snakebite holds his throw in a jittery leg, which he wins in 18 darts thanks to a 68 checkout, with Price back on 131.
  Wright 2-2 Price
• Leg Three
  Price lets out a customary huge roar when firing in the tournament's 800th maximum and he follows that with a visit of 177 to leave 44, which he takes out on double 10 for a 12-darter.
  Wright 1-2 Price
• Leg Two
  Snakebite quickly finds his rhythm in the second leg as he follows up back-to-back 140s with the first 180 of the match before taking out 41 for a 12-darter.
  Wright 1-1 Price
• Leg One, Price to throw first
  It's a sloppy start from both players to this semi-final, with Gerwyn Price eventually holding throw in 21 darts but only after he'd missed four attempts at doubles and Wright had spurned a shot at two fives to pinch it.
  Wright 0-1 Price

1915: The crowd are unsurprisingly on Peter Wright's side as both players make their way to the oche - but the pantomime boos for Gerwyn Price will, as usual, subside when he gets his A-game in gear! Let the drama commence...

1900: Right, I'll leave you to digest all the information below and I'll be back in time for the player entrances to bring you leg-by-leg updates and highlights.

1850: Now here's how Van Gerwen and Aspinall's stats compare before I give you my prediction.

Tournament stats (MVG first)

• Average: 98.99 - 96.87
• Best Ave: 104.09 (v Bunting) - 98.45 (v Ratajski)
• 180s: 24 - 35
• 100+ checkouts: 8 - 5
• Highest checkout: 170 - 122
• Doubles: 53/118 (44.92%) - 62/157 (39.49%)
• Legs won/lost: 53/29 - 62/50

In my semi-final preview, I've stuck with my pre-tournament 40/1 tip Nathan Aspinall to seal profits - and I really believe there's been enough evidence to suggest it's more than possible. And if it sets up a final with Price, then that will bring up a 50/1 'name the finalists' tip too! If you aren't convinced, how about backing him at 7/4 on the handicap with a 2.5 set start? Another option would be 11/4 on the match to have over 34.5 legs, a high checkout of over 141.5 and more than 20.5 total 180s.

1845: By contrast, Nathan Aspinall's journey to reach his second successive semi-final couldn't have been much tougher...

• Rd 1: 3-1 v Danny Baggish (Av: 95.38, 180s: 5, Doubles: 10/26)
• Rd 2: 4-3 v Krzysztof Ratajski (Av: 98.45, 180s: 8, Doubles: 18/42)
• Rd 3: 4-2 v Gary Anderson (Av: 97.97, 180s: 11, Doubles: 16/40)
• Rd 4: 5-3 v Dimitri Van den Bergh (Av: 95.31, 180s: 11, Doubles: 18/49)

The Asp overcame a nervy start against Danny Baggish before blowing a 3-1 lead to beat the dangerous Krzysztof Ratajski in a tense final-set decider.

Aspinall produced what he described as the performance of his life - despite winning the UK Open and US Darts Masters in a stardom reaching 2019 - by defeating two-time champion Gary Anderson and then resisted a plucky comeback from Dimitri Van den Bergh.

He's had to show a mix of quality and battling spirit to get this far once again and he'll have to repeat the trick - and more - to stand a chance of avoiding just his second ever Ally Pally defeat.

1840: Here's how Michael van Gerwen reached the semi-finals in supreme fashion

• Rd 1: 3-1 v Jelle Klaasen (Av: 96.28, 180s: 1, Doubles: 11/25)
• Rd 2: 4-0 v Ricky Evans (Av: 96.75, 180s: 10, Doubles: 12/28)
• Rd 3: 4-0 v Stephen Bunting (Av: 104.09, 180s: 7, Doubles: 12/25)
• Rd 4: 5-2 v Darius Labanauskas (Av: 99.5, 180s: 6, Doubles: 18/40)

In case you've forgotten as it feels a lifetime ago now, Michael van Gerwen threw the first of the tournament's eight 170 checkouts on opening night and that's about as dramatic as it's got for him.

After losing the opening set against Jelle Klaasen, he won 11 on the trot before the dogged Darius Labanauskas gave him some cause for frustration but overall, he's hardly broken sweat and will be ready to peak at just the right time.

1835: Just in case there's not enough time between matches to run through the second semi-final, I'll do it now, starting with the head-to-head records.

• Head-to-head (MVG first)
  Overall: 2-2 (TV: 0-0)
  2019 Meetings: 1-2 (TV: 0-0)
  Career PDC titles: 133-3 (TV: 53-2)
  Titles this season: 14-2 (TV: 8-2)

Nathan Aspinall is one of the few players Michael van Gerwen hasn't beaten more times than he's lost - although none of their previous four meetings have been over a format longer than best of 11 legs, let alone sets!

That's taking nothing away from the Asp, who has won two of their three matches in 2019 including a 6-1 hammering back in February and their most recent on a stage environment in Gibraltar, edging it 6-3.

It'll be fascinating to see how he can cope with MVG's firepower in a long set play format, but he does have the battling qualities to pinch some 3-2 even if he loses others 3-0. It could be one of those games where he loses most legs but wins the match!

1830: To wrap up our look ahead to the first semi-final, here's their tournament statistics at a glance as well as my prediction.

Tournament stats (Wright first)

• Average: 98.25 - 96.18
• Best Ave: 105.86 (v Humphries) - 104.2 (v Henderson)
• 180s: 41 - 21
• 100+ checkouts: 13 - 5
• Highest checkout: 170 - 136
• Doubles: 69/144 (47.92%) - 52/118 (44.07%)
• Legs won/lost: 69/52 - 52/35

In my semi-final preview I've gone for a 6-4 victory in favour of Price while I picked out three bets that have caught my eye. Wright to hit three or more 100+ checkouts at 7/4, Price to win and hit 12+ 180s at 5/2 and the match to have over 38.5 legs, a high checkout of over 141.5 and more than 22 maximums at 3/1.

1825: Here's Gerwyn Price's route to the semi-finals and it's fair to say he's blown hot and cold...

• Rd 2: 3-2 v William O'Connor (Av: 90.98, 180s: 3, Doubles: 12/26)
• Rd 3: 4-0 v John Henderson (Av: 104.2, 180s: 7, Doubles: 12/27)
• Rd 4: 4-2 v Simon Whitlock (Av: 92.47, 180s: 3, Doubles: 12/32)
• Rd 5: 5-1 v Glen Durrant (Av: 99.69, 180s: 8, Doubles: 16/34)

Like Wright, the Iceman should possibly have crashed out at the first hurdle but he was let off the hook by William O'Connor inexplicably forgetting what double he was aiming at in a deciding fifth set.

Price made the most of his fortune to edge it and since then there's been no such problems with three comfortable victories, including two very polished performances against John Henderson and Glen Durrant either side of a ropey one against Simon Whitlock.

We've seen the Welshman save his best for the business end of tournaments so expect him to raise his game another level tonight.

1820: Time for those routes to the semi-finals and we'll begin with Peter Wright.

• Rd 2: 3-2 v Noel Malicdem (Av: 96.53, 180s: 9, Doubles: 16/33)
• Rd 3: 4-2 v Seigo Asada (Av: 94.42, 180s: 8, Doubles: 16/37)
• Rd 4: 4-3 v Jeffrey de Zwaan (Av: 96.39, 180s: 12, Doubles: 19/37)
• QF: 5-3 v Luke Humphries (Av: 105.86, 180s: 12, Doubles: 18/37)

If Peter Wright goes on to win this title, he'll no doubt point to his remarkable recovery against Noel Malicdem in his first match that made it all possible.

Starring defeat in the face he needed to take out 302 in six darts and completed the job with a stunning 140 checkout with his opponent waiting on 42 for the match.

Fate? Destiny? Sporting Gods? Who knows, but he's had to make the most of that brilliance - not least in the remainder of that game - to get this far.

He was absolutely fantastic with a PB world championship average of 105.86 against Luke Humphries and threw four more 100+ checkouts, including a 170 and a 161, to take his tally to 13 for the tournament - more than anyone else.

1815: The first of tonight's semi-finals, which are both best of 11 sets, is Peter Wright v Gerwyn Price so let's start by looking at the head-to-head record.

• Head-to-head (Wright first)
  Overall: 13-5, 1 draw (TV: 5-4, 1 draw)
  2019 Meetings: 1-3 (TV: 1-3)
  Career PDC titles: 27-9 (TV: 5-2)
  Titles this season: 4-5 (TV: 1-1)

The stats suggest the friendly rivalry, which began on this very stage in 2014 when Snakebite thrashed Price 3-0 en route to the 2014 final, is rather lopsided but obviously the majority of their battles came when the Welshman was climbing his way up the rankings.

Wright also defeated the former rugby player to win his first major title at the 2017 UK Open and by the start of last winter, he'd only lost once in 14 meetings - as well as a Premier League draw.

Since then it's been a different story with Price winning four of the next five, including a demolition job in the Grand Slam of Darts final.

1800: Good evening and welcome to what promises to be a memorable evening of the highest quality darts from four of the very best players in the world, who have risen to the top after a tournament of high drama and shocks.

Defending champion Michael van Gerwen obviously remains hot favourite to get his hands on the Sid Waddell trophy for the fourth time on New Year's Day but rising star Nathan Aspinall will be a genuine threat in his second successive World Championship semi-final.

Before then, Gerwyn Price is fancied to get the better of Peter Wright and do his bit in setting up a potential 'dream final' with MVG that was just 3/1 before a dart was even thrown in this tournament.

The 'big two' have been the standout performers on the circuit over the past six months especially and have built up quite a rivalry with a number of blockbusting battles that tend to go to the wire - although the Iceman's sole victory is 'that' Grand Slam of Darts semi-final, which he followed up by thrashing Snakebite.

In the coming updates we'll be going through every player's route to the finals and tournament statistics, as well as the head-to-head records.

But in the meantime here are tonight's match odds and their prices to life the trophy...

• Peter Wright (5/4) v Gerwyn Price (8/13)
• Michael van Gerwen (1/8) v Nathan Aspinall (5/1)

Title odds

• MVG - 8/13
• Price - 3/1
• Wright - 13/2
• Aspinall - 14/1

Click here for more Sky Bet title and match odds

CLICK HERE FOR FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE, RESULTS & FORMAT

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