GLEN DURRANT has spoken of his disappointment after losing out in the semi-finals of the Betfred World Matchplay on Saturday.
Three-time Lakeside Champion Durrant enjoyed a brilliant debut at the Winter Gardens, defeating Adrian Lewis, Michael van Gerwen and James Wade to reach the last four.
However, his dream of claiming a debut triumph in Blackpool was ended by Michael Smith as the St Helens ace raced into an 8-2 lead before closing out a 17-10 success.
Smith now meets Rob Cross in Sunday's final, with Durrant left to rue his sluggish start to the contest.
"It's incredibly disappointing," said Durrant. "I felt great backstage and I genuinely thought I was going to have a fantastic game.
"I didn't come out of the traps once this week and it's one thing to go away with and try and work out. I'm sure there's positives out of this week but it just didn't go tonight.
"My doubles were fine but my scoring was pretty poor. Whether it was down to Michael playing incredibly well, but I knew I didn't.
"You've got to grab your opportunities, take those moments. I'd have been incredibly proud to win this weekend, but it hasn't happened.
"It was a good opportunity, but Michael was a worthy winner and it will be a tremendous final."