MICHAEL VAN GERWEN thrashed Gary Anderson 6-1 to reach the final of the William Hill World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The world number one remains on course to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the third time after a dominant display to set up a New Year's Day meeting with Michael Smith.
Set One (3-2)
The pair exchanged 180s in the opening leg, which saw Anderson break the throw immediately with a 127 checkout. Van Gerwen cancelled it out before moving ahead but a 104 from the Scotsman forced a deciding leg, which Van Gerwen won by landing double top with his last dart to deny his rival darts to win the first set.
Set Two (3-0)
Van Gerwen punished Anderson for three missed double attempts to break his throw before doubling his lead by cleaning up 69. The Dutchman then took out 80 on tops after Anderson had missed a dart to complete the same combination to complete a second set whitewash.
Set Three (3-0)
Van Gerwen took out 70 in two darts before his fourth 180 and 85 checkout on the bull saw the Dutchman break Anderson's throw. A clinical 74 finish gave Van Gerwen a seventh consecutive leg and a three set lead.
Set Four (3-1)
Van Gerwen finished 87 on double five and landed tops before Anderson responded with back-to-back 180s as he went on to lose an nine leg losing streak by taking out 100. The world number one pinned tops, however, to open up a four set lead.
Set Five (3-0)
A seventh 180 and a 52 finish put Van Gerwen ahead and a 13-dart break of throw saw the onslaught continue. The dominant Dutchman pinned double one to increase his lead to five sets, moving him within one of a fourth appearance the final.
Set Six (2-3)
A 180 followed by a 174 helped Anderson earn just his fourth leg of the contest before he landed tops to take a 2-0 lead in the set. Van Gerwen responded with back-to-back maximums and took out 87 to break with a 12-darter. His ninth maximum helped the Dutch ace move within a leg of a whitewash victory but Anderson spared himself that fate by landing double 12.
Set Seven (3-1)
Van Gerwen missed six darts at doubles, allowing Anderson to take out 80 with two double tops. The Scotsman missed eight darts to double his lead in the set and Van Gerwen punished, setting up double top with two bulls to score 120. Anderson missed three more darts at doubles and his opponent pounced to move within a leg of the final - and he secured an incredible victory by cleaning up 90.
Match Stats
Averages:
Van Gerwen - 104.76
Anderson - 97.98
180s:
Van Gerwen - 11
Anderson - 11
Highest Finish:
Van Gerwen - 90
Anderson - 127
100+ Checkouts:
Van Gerwen - 3
Anderson - 0
Finishing:
Van Gerwen - 20/40
Anderson - 7/29
