Wright eases past Smith to claim World Matchplay semi-final spot

Peter Wright is through to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay for the fourth time after easing past Michael Smith 16-7.

Wright will face the winner of Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall for a spot in the final after producing a 100.3 average and nine 180's en route against 'Bully Boy'.

Wright took first blood to begin the tie and doubled his advantage after Smith missed a dart at double 20.

Smith broke back immediately though and followed that up with an 11-darter to level the tie up before Wright took out 70 to hold a slim lead at the break.

But on return, Wright added two quick legs to make it 5-2 and move three clear of 'Bully Boy' but he couldn't shake the St Helens ace going into the next interval with a 6-4 lead for Wright, Smith pinning a 65 checkout to hang on.

But this interval seemed to suit Wright more than Smith with a 66 checkout to break and go 8-4 up followed by a hold to consolidate that to make it 9-4.

It was four consecutive legs from there as he broke once more and headed closer to the semi-finals at 10-4 up.

It was seven legs on the spin as Wright looked in no mood to give anything away against Smith at 13-4 up but Smith stopped the rot with an 81 checkout and added a new complexion to the tie.

He followed it up with an 84 checkout on the bull to break for 13-6 and consolidated that for 13-7 at the interval.

But just as it looked like Smith was going to get back in the tie, Wright got back on track and broke throw to go one away from the semi-finals with an 87 checkout for 15-7.

He missed two match darts from 58 but returned for the fourth dart to claim the tie.