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Taylor had to be at his very best to see off a brilliant Andy Hamilton 17-11, while Wade won an absolute thriller – beating Roland Scholten 19-17 in one of the best matches in the 13-year history of the tournament.

The 23-year-old played the game of his life, coming from behind and winning in a nail-biting tie-break, after both players had missed a dart for the match.

It was high quality stuff in both semi’s…..

Wade hit 8 180s and checked out 102, 114, 152, 150 and then produced an amazing 10 dart leg to win it.

Scholten banged in 11 180s. He produced finishes of 113, 121, 110, 136 and 120.

Taylor averaged 102.58 and hit four 180s and produced seven darts on the way to a nine-darter.

Hamilton’s average was 101.88. The Stoke star produced 12 180s and agonisingly just missed a 9-darter….8 brilliant darts and touched the wire in just missing double 12.

Wade said: “That was just amazing. I am feeling as if my heart is going to burst through my chest! I can’t wait for the final. It has been quite a week and I am going to try so hard to finish it in style.”

He added: “I have worked so hard to achieve this and I have to go back up there and do it all over again.”

And Wade has won himself a holiday in Barbados – courtesy of sponsor Jason Thame, who promised the youngster the trip of a lifetime if he got to the final!

Despite opening up with that 102 check-out, Wade soon found himself 5-1 down and it could have been 6-1 but Scholten missed crucial doubles. He fought his way back superbly, grinding the Dutchman down.

He went ahead for the first time since that opening leg at 16-15 and then missed a dart at double 14 to win it in regulation. Scholten hit a fantastic 114 under pressure to take us into that dramatic tie-break. He moved 17-16 in front and also missed one dart for the match. Wade responded – showing courage and character to win the next two. What followed was quite sensational as the youngster produced probably the best leg of his life…a 10-darter and he crossed the finishing line with a great double 18.

Both players endured a rollercoaster ride of emotions but Wade has been the big star of the Blackpool week. It has been a fairytale display but can he re-write the record books by beating Taylor in the final?

‘The Power’ gave us one of those special surges to clinch victory. From 7 legs apiece, Hamilton paid the price for missed doubles and Taylor clicked into top gear. At 12-10, it was still anyone’s game, before ‘The Power’ found those magic darts, averaging around 110 for six legs….Hamilton had no answer.

Taylor said: “Andy threw everything at me but the kitchen sink! He is going to be a big star. He is certainly now one of the big boys in the world of darts. That was so tough but I am just delighted to be in another final. It will be a great game against James, who has come of age this week.”

Wade will be trying to stop Taylor winning an 8th World Matchplay crown but he is already guaranteed at least £15,000 and 24 precious world ranking points. The winner on Saturday night will pocket £30,000.

And of course there will be first news of the final here on the Unicorn website.

Semi-final results:

James Wade 19-17 Roland Scholten
Phil Taylor 17-11 Andy Hamilton

Final – Saturday – 7pm:

James Wade v Phil Taylor

BY STUART PYKE