Michael van Gerwen booked his spot in the semifinals of the PDC Word Darts Championship after overcoming Callan Rydz in a match of exceptional quality at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.
The Dutchman has struggled for consistency since he was beaten in the final by Michael Smith two years ago, but "The Green Machine" was back to his best on Wednesday in a contest which saw a total of 31 180s scored.
Van Gerwen's 5-3 victory, in which he averaged 103.10, was made all the more impressive by Rydz's nerveless display behind the oche in north London. The unseeded 26-year-old had a higher average than Van Gerwen (103.88), landed more 180s (17) and finished with a better double success rate (46%).
Rydz will feel he should have taken an early lead after he missed two set darts to take a 1-0 lead before van Gerwen found his range. Rydz showed his quality in the second set, taking 41 darts to whitewash "MVG" in the second set.
The pair traded blows before Van Gerwen clinched a crucial fifth set in which both players averaged more than 106. The three-time winner sealed his victory with a 48 checkout via his favourite double 16.
"To be part of games like this always gives you a lot of joy. It's probably one of my best performances in a long time," Van Gerwen told Sky Sports.
"He gave everything and put pressure on me constantly. He didn't stop hitting trebles and never gave up. My game is in a good place, but it doesn't mean anything yet."
Van Gerwen will face Chris Dobey in the last four after the No. 15 seed qualified for the semifinals for the first time in his career following a dramatic clash with Gerwyn Price earlier on Wednesday.
The 32-year-old's tournament had seemed as though it would end at the quarterfinal stage for the fourth year in a row when Price quickly opened up a 2-0 set lead.
But a remarkable turnaround saw Price collapse, allowing Dobey to win four consecutive sets and take a 4-2 lead.
Price's capitulation on the outer ring was particularly notable, with the Welshman missing a total of 42 darts at double, ending the match with a success rate of just 26%.
Dobey's nerve also failed him as he moved to the verge of victory as he missed five match darts at double 10 to give Price hope of an unlikely comeback.
Dobey's wobble appeared reminiscent of his quarterfinal defeat last year when he managed to lose to Rob Cross despite leading 4-0.
This time round, Dobey did manage to banish his demons from last year, eventually getting over the line with a brilliant double-double finish on the 18s that clinched his place in the last four.
"Getting over that defeat last year and getting over the line this year means a lot," Dobey told Sky Sports.
"I've never been so nervous throwing for a winning double as I have today. I'm just pleased I grinded it out and got the win."
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