Darts: Wade holds nerve to book semi-final berth

James Wade throws on his way to victory over John Part (Getty Images)

Third seed James Wade moved into the semi-finals of the World Championship following an epic 5-4 victory over John Part at Alexandra Palace yesterday. The match was a replica of their last-eight game in 2008, when Wade went on to be crowned world champion.

Wade was in control early on, taking nine of the first 11 legs of the match. However, he missed a chance to go 4-1 up and Part hit back to take the next three sets to lead 4-3 before Wade levelled to force a sudden death shoot-out which he won with an 85 finish, propelling the 28-year-old into his first semi-final since 2008.

"The 85 finish was fantastic and I'm delighted to have hit that triple 15 under pressure to leave the opportunity at double top," he said. "I had a great start to the match and felt like I had established control but, before I knew it, John was 4-3 ahead and I was struggling."

Andy Hamilton moved into the semi-finals for only the second time with a 5-2 win over Kim Huybrechts. Appearing in the first of the last-eight clashes, the Stoke thrower was impressive with 11 180s and a three-dart average over 102.

Hamilton took a two-set lead before Huybrechts hit back to win the third set without reply. The number 17 seed then pulled 4-1 ahead and although his opponent took the sixth, Hamilton claimed victory with three maximums in the seventh.

"I played a good game again today and I still feel incredibly focused and relaxed," he said.

"It's been a childhood dream to win this title and I have visions of picking it up on Monday night."