Van Gerwen dispatches Labanauskas to reach semi-finals at PDC World Championship as title defence continues

Labanauskas claimed the first set but Van Gerwen caught fire from there and barring some late stutters he eased to victory with six 180's, 45 percent on doubles with high checkouts of 158 and 137 as his title defence comes to a potential crescendo.

Labanauskas claimed a dream start to proceedings as he took out 80 in the deciding leg to secure the opening leg as Van Gerwen didn't get going in the early going.

Van Gerwen pinched the next set but potentially shouldn't of done so. Labanauskas moved 2-1 ahead of Van Gerwen with a break of throw but a poor leg on his own darts saw him send it all the way after the Lithuanian had missed a dart at the bull for the set; he clinically took out 36 to make it 1-1 in sets.

Normal service was resumed as MVG took out 88 for the lead and there was a small break as Labanauskas cut his finger when retrieving the dart which meant that Van Gerwen streaked to a 2-0 lead. On his throw though, Van Gerwen took out 96 and averaged 115.62 in the set as he took out a clean sweep.

A 137 checkout saw Mighty Mike continued that brilliance as he laid down a marker. Labanauskas missed a 107 checkout but Van Gerwen didn't punish him and he came back to hit double eight to draw it level.

MVG started the next leg with a 180 and went six darts in and followed it up with an 84 checkout. A timely 180 saw him shroud Labanauskas leaving a finish and he hit a 72 checkout to go 3-1 up in sets.

MVG couldn't hit the baby fish 130 checkout and Labanauskas hit a 24 checkout to go 1-0 up. This was drawn level with ease but the questions would be around 'Lucky D' who's set it was to go only one behind or succumb to a three set deficit.

Labanauskas couldn't hit three clear at 32 but Van Gerwen missed double 20 for an 80 checkout allowing the former another go which he converted.

He had multiple darts for the set after crafting the opportunity but missed them, despite that Van Gerwen continued to miss himself and Labanauskas cleaned up to remain in contention despite having a 90 average to 101 for Van Gerwen.

MVG began the next set ruthlessly smashing in an 82 checkout but Labanauskas was not rolling over starting his leg with a 180 and he went 7 darts into a nine-dart finish but he couldn't finish it off from there and Van Gerwen pinched the leg.

He claimed the set from there hitting a 31 checkout. Labanauskas had another near miss at a three figure outshot but corrected it pinning double 16 as his never give up attitude continued.

The Dutchman was pressured with a 180 in the next leg but he pinned double eight straight away. The Lithuanian went one away from claiming a set again but it was on Van Gerwen's throw this time.

A 76 checkout saw MVG speedily go to within one, he left it rough though and after Labanauskas missed multiple set darts, it allowed Van Gerwen to claim victory.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

Michael van Gerwen (99.50) 5-2 (90.25) Darius Labanauskas
21:15 Glen Durrant v Gerwyn Price

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