Michael van Gerwen has reached the final of the PDC World Championship for the first time in his career.
The 23-year-old, who dethroned reigning champion Adrian Lewis in last night's quarter-final, overcame seven-time major winner James Wade in the last four at Alexandra Palace this evening.
Third seed Wade claimed the opening set 3-2 before Van Gerwen reeled off nine consecutive legs to open up a 3-1 lead in the best-of-11 encounter.
Wade raced into a 2-0 lead in set five, but Van Gerwen hit a stunning nine-dart finish to break the throw.
The Dutchman then came within millimetres of becoming the first player to ever hit back-to-back nine-darters when he missed double 12 in the following leg.
He checked out on double three on his next visit to level the set, however Wade then held throw to reduce his arrears to 3-2.
Wade whitewashed his opponent in the next set to level the match at 3-3, but Van Gerwen proceeded to win 11 of the next 17 legs to seal the match 6-4.
Van Gerwen, who hit 14 180s compared to Wade's one, will face either Phil Taylor or Raymond van Barneveld in the final on New Year's Day.
Robert Summerscales
