'An unbelievable feeling' - Mansell books first semi-final

Mansell has never been past the second round at the PDC World Darts Championships

Tyrone's Mickey Mansell says it is an "unbelievable feeling" reaching his first major darts semi-final after a dramatic win over Cameron Menzies at the Grand Slam of Darts.

The 51-year-old fought back from 4-0 down to beat Scot Menzies 16-15 and will now face fellow last four debutant Martin Lukeman on Sunday (13:00 GMT) in Wolverhampton.

"I've put in so many hours of practice over the years for this moment," an emotional Mansell told the PDC after the victory.

"Not many people get these opportunities and tonight was an opportunity I couldn't let pass."

In an enthralling encounter, the quarter-final with 35-year-old Menzies went the distance with all 31 legs required.

Menzies, who won a Players Championship event last month, established an early 4-0 lead before the Northern Irishman won eight of the next 12 legs to level at 8-8.

The match lead then bounced between the pair until Mansell sealed victory with double top in a tight deciding leg.

"My scoring was fantastic tonight and I felt I was the better player but I was just missing too many doubles," Mansell said.

"All of a sudden the doubles left me but I stuck in there and tops came good for me in the end. It's an unbelievable feeling.

"I've probably never felt nerves like I did in the last leg but I've been in the same situation against Brendan Dolan at the World Championship. I lost on that occasion but I learnt from it."

His semi-final opponent Lukeman booked his place in the last four beating former world champion Rob Cross 16-11.