Jelle Klaasen and
Lisa Ashton have both qualified for the semifinals at
Lakeside in Frimley Green on Friday night. 'The Cobra' was too strong for Danny Lauby at the last eight with 4-1 in sets, whilst 'The Lancashire Rose' had to battle back from behind against Kirsty Hutchinson.
Klaasen's victory ensures that there will be a Dutchman in the Lakeside final as the 2006 winner will face compatriot Chris Landman in the last four, who had earlier eliminated defending champion Neil Duff.
After Klaasen had to concede the first two legs to Lauby, the next six legs all went to the former world champion. Set three went 3-2 to Lauby, bringing the tension back for a moment.
The fourth set then went 3-1 to Klaasen, who needed just one more set to pull the match his way. He broke Lauby as early as the second leg of the fifth set and then finished it off handsomely with an 11-darter for the win.
Lisa Ashton managed to qualify for the last four in the women's event. The four-time world champion defeated Kirsty Hutchinson (2-1). The Lancashire Rose struggled to win the match. Ashton decided the match with a 34-darter via double 1.
