WDF World Masters Round-Up: Jimmy van Schie and Jeff Smith among semi-finalists in men's event, while Hedman joined by pair of Scots in women's competiton

The WDF World Masters are approaching their climax in Budapest. After two intense days of play, the semi-finalists in both the men's and women's matches have been announced. Jimmy van Schie and Jeff Smith both convincingly qualified for the final day, with Jason Brandon and Cliff Prior joining them in the last four.

On the men's side, 273 players started the tournament, of which 128 remained after the group stage. Van Schie looked very impressive throughout, as he opened the day with four wins in a row, each time averaging over 90. Among others Archie Self (5-1) and former PDC professional David Pallett (5-2) had to suffer. In the quarterfinals Johan Engström was waiting, but also the Swede could not stop Van Schie. With a decisive 113 finish and a tight 14-darter, the number one of the WDF rankings took the match to his own devices: 5-2.

The Canadian Smith looks in good shape to challenge the Dutchman. He produced a 98 average in a whitewash win over Miroslaw Grudziecki in the last-32 before defeating Paul Krohne (5-1) and Dylan van Dijk (5-3). Prior and Cliff both had the luck of the Irish on their side in the quarter-finals, with Prior defeating Patrick Quinn 5-3 while the American got the better of Ronan Mcdonagh 5-2.

The experienced Deta Hedman stood her ground and can dream of a third World Masters title. The English veteran, winner in 1994 and 2013, settled with Germany's Irina Armstrong (5-3) in the quarterfinals.

In addition to Hedman, a pair of Scots hugely impressed in their quarter-final tie. Sophie McKinlay averaged 88.92 to fend off Eve Watson 5-1. She had only dropped four legs all day in an ominous showing. Fellow Scot Lorraine Hyde produced a whitewash win over Hong Kong's Rita Ip Tin Yee, who was not at the races in their last-eight clash. These three will be joined by Rachna David, who scraped through a last-leg decider against Karolina Ratajska, finding a 21-darter to send her through to the semi-final stages.