01/01/2023

Van den Bergh reaches maiden PDC World Darts Championship semi-final as landmark run continues with Clayton win

Dimitri van den Bergh is the first into the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship after continuing his landmark run with victory over Jonny Clayton.

Van den Bergh reaches the semi-final for the first time after a 5-3 win with 13 180's along the way in a superb start to the Quarter-Finals.

Tournament Centre 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship: Schedule, results, TV Guide and Prize Money Breakdown

Clayton hit double eight to hold and begin set one. Double 10 for Clayton saw him break throw. A 70 checkout saw ‘The Ferret’ sweep the set.

A 76 checkout saw Van den Bergh double his lead in the second set. An 85 checkout saw Van den Bergh seal the set.

Clayton missed 124 on the bull for the set but returned with Van den Bergh missing double one and he took out double eight off 25 for the set.

But this did not prove the impetus as Van den Bergh swept the set on double 10 to make it 2-2. Van den Bergh missed break darts and Clayton hit double 10 to leave set five.

Van den Bergh levelled up with Clayton poised to break. Clayton followed that up with a 108 checkout and held in the decider on double eight for a 3-2 sets lead.

Van den Bergh missed 130 on the bull and Clayton hit two double 20’s for 1-1. Double eight for Van den Bergh saw him go 2-1 up and one away from 3-3 in sets.

Clayton hit double 20 to send it to a decider. Van den Bergh hit double 16 to claim the set. Clayton missed double four for a hold and Van den Bergh broke on double 10.

Clayton missed 116 to hold and Van den Bergh went 2-0 up. Clayton missed 170 on the bull for 2-1 down but kept the set alive on double 16.

A 68 checkout was missed by Clayton to send it all the way and Van den Bergh returned for a 4-3 sets advantage.

Clayton hit double 20 to go one away from a deciding set. He hit his sixth 180 but missed 76 for the set, while Van den Bergh missed 167 for 2-2 and Clayton missed more set darts. Van den Bergh pinned double 16 for 2-2 though.

Van den Bergh missed 113 for the match and Clayton deflected 158 allowing Dimi back for the win which he took on double nine.