Michael Smith survives match darts for third game in a row and reaches last four at World Series Finals

Michael Smith was the last player to secure a spot in the semifinals of the World Series of Darts Finals. 'Bullyboy' won 10-9 over Rob Cross after a thrilling finale.

Both men really shouldn't have even been in the quarterfinals. After Smith already survived one matchdart in the first round against Jose de Sousa, he saw Wessel Nijman miss six matchdarts Saturday night. Cross survived four matchdarts in his second round match against Kevin Doets. This time it was 'Voltage' himself who could not exploit his matchdarts.

The first session went 3-2 to Cross, who managed to throw a 118 finish and a 12-darter, among other things. After the first session, Smith took control. He evened the score with a 14-darter and then took a 5-3 lead with an 11-darter and a 16-darter.

In the ninth leg, Cross threw out 43, and then the 33-year-old Englishman provided the equalizer with a 12-darter. After the final break, Smith again created a gap. A 75 finish and a 12-darter made it 7-5 for Smith, who then missed four chances to make it 8-5. Cross took advantage and returned to 6-7 via double 4.

Cross then evened the score with a 17-darter in the fourteenth leg and then took over the lead from his compatriot with a 14-darter. After a 13-darter in the sixteenth leg, Cross then suddenly needed only one more leg for victory.

Smith, however, refused to put his head down and fired a 12-darter and a 13-darter to make it 9-9. Cross got to start the final leg, but it was Smith who got a matchdart first. 'Bullyboy' was allowed to dock from 127, but missed the bullseye. Cross then faced 40, but threw his three darts just above the iron. Smith got another chance and eventually his third matchdart proved successful.

Sunday night the semifinals of the World Series of Darts Finals will be played. In the first semifinal, Michael van Gerwen takes on Luke Littler. Smith faces Peter Wright in the second semifinal.