Michael van Gerwen through to World Matchplay Darts semi-final

Michael van Gerwen overcame Ian White in a thrilling encounter to secure his place in the World Matchplay Darts semi-finals.

The world No 1 battled back from a 6-1 deficit and eventually ended White's stubborn resistance with a tense 16-13 win at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

He will face Peter Wright in the last four after the Scotsman cruised to a 16-7 victory over Gerwyn Price in the earlier quarter-final.

Van Gerwen was expected to continue his blistering progress against White, but the Stoke man stalled his march in the early legs with razor-sharp finishing.

A composed 78 checkout opened up a 3-0 lead against the exasperated Van Gerwen, who had more cause for concern when White completed a 121 finish to move 6-1 up. 

Faced by the threat of a shock exit, Van Gerwen gradually cranked into life and closed the gap with a string of typically swift legs.

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His search for a nine-darter fell short when he sent his seventh dart below treble 19, but Van Gerwen was still collecting legs with regularity and pulled 10-9 in front with a sizzling 156 checkout.

White refused to wilt and briefly regained the lead at 13-12 after taking out 81 to add a further twist.

But Van Gerwen would not be denied and White's failed attempt at a 108 checkout allowed him to move one leg away before he sealed victory with double 20.

Waiting for 'Mighty Mike' in the semis is Wright, who supplied a finishing lesson to Price while easing to a comfortable victory.

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Price had pulled off one of the upsets of the tournament in the last round when he dumped out Adrian Lewis, but could not repeat his precision at the doubles and soon drifted 6-2 behind.

A succession of legs slipped away from the Welshman as he struggled to match the world No 5, who moved 10-2 up with an impressive 102 finish.

'The Iceman' did briefly cool Wright's fire, hauling back a few legs, but he was only delaying the inevitable and 'Snakebite' sealed victory with double four.

World Matchplay Darts night six results:

Peter Wright 16-7 Gerwyn Price

Michael van Gerwen 16-13 Ian White