Michael van Gerwen only just edges past Luke Humphries in tense decider at World Series of Darts Finals

Michael van Gerwen secured a spot in the semifinals of the World Series of Darts Finals after a frenzied final stanza. 'Mighty Mike' triumphed 10-9 against Luke Humphries.

Van Gerwen seemed to decide the game prematurely, but nine missed matchdarts meant a final leg was finally needed. He will be Luke Littler's opponent in the semifinals on Sunday night.

Humphries did not start the match well. He was not out in five visits in the first two legs, leaving those two legs to Van Gerwen. Humphries then threw a 13-darter, then missed four chances to make it 2-2. Van Gerwen was then able to make it 3-1 with a 19-darter, before Humphries connected with a 14-darter to make it 3-2.

Moments later, Humphries missed eight chances to make it 3-4. Van Gerwen then threw a 21-darter for a 5-2 lead. It then became 6-2 via a 13-darter. Humphries stopped the Dutchman's run with a 13-darter, then Van Gerwen made it 7-3 with a 97 finish.

Thanks to a 12-darter and a 14-darter, Humphries came back to 6-7 after the pazue, but Van Gerwen maintained the lead with an 11-darter. He then threw out 170 to extend the lead to 9-6. In the 16th leg, Van Gerwen was able to finish it off, but he missed three match darts. Humphries took advantage with a 17-darter to reduce the deficit to 7-9.

In the seventeenth leg there was another missed matchdart by Van Gerwen. Again Humphries took advantage, tallying via double 6 to make it 8-9. Van Gerwen missed five more matchdarts in the eighteenth leg, after which Humphries forced a final leg with a 75 finish. Humphries was allowed to start the final leg, but was only on 87 after five visits. Still he got a matchdart, but the double 5 was missed. Van Gerwen then hit his tenth matchdart.