After his victory last week, it was a matter of when rather than if Luke Littler's place at finals night was confirmed.

Well, tonight is the night. After his stunning semi-final performance, his place at the O2 Arena on 23 May is assured.

Considering how irritated he seemed with himself through that match, Luke Humphries came remarkably close to winning it.

He hit four 180s to Rob Cross' one but Voltage edged it on the averages, 95.39 to 94.87.

The difference came on the doubles with Cross hitting six of 16 on checkouts (37.5%) compared to Humphries five of 19 (26.3%).

Double three for the match - and Rob Cross gets it!

A dramatic final leg goes the way of Voltage!

Luke Humphries looked set to snatch the victory after another superb set-up, 140 this time, to leave 104.

He gave himself a dart at double 16 for the match but that was just the wrong side of the wire and Cross takes out 72 to go through.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

Rob Cross is like Nathan Aspinall, he'll never let go. He'll never wilt. He'll just keep battling.

Where did this come from?!

Rob Cross was in control but Luke Humphries hits a 180 to get back into contention and when Voltage misses double eight for the match, the door is left ajar.

Humphries takes out 67 to push it wide open. He has the darts for the deciding leg...

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

There was no drama with Luke Humphries about a month ago, he was just getting it done. There is a little bit of drama now, he's just not getting legs done. He's not being clinical in legs he's dominating.

More missed darts at double for Luke Humphries but this time he gets away with it.

Double five is hit after Rob Cross misses bullseye for the match and on we go...

Luke Humphries had every chance to break back but five missed darts at double eight sees the opportunity slip from his grasp.

He can't quite believe it but Rob Cross isn't going to stop and ask questions.

Voltage had missed two for the leg but gets double 16 to take it eventually. He needs one more to set up a final against Luke Littler.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

This is still a tough game to call for me. I'm not seeing that either is better than the other.

It is just going to be a timing thing of who does the right or wrong thing at the time.

Rob Cross missed tops for the previous leg but he doesn't let this one slip.

After Luke Humphries was unable to take out 116, Cross had 77 to get and one dart at double is all he needs.

Advantage Cross again.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

There's body language after every throw from Luke Humphries. That can become tiring mentally and physically. It's something we've not seen from him before and he's got to watch it.

A wry smile from Luke Humphries as he hits his second 180 of the match to set up a 145 out.

That doesn't go but he leaves himself double eight again and when Cross misses tops for the leg, Humphries comes back to secure the break.

He still doesn't look particularly happy but Luke Humphries gets the hold he needs.

Three darts at double missed their target but the fourth found the bed of double eight and Humphries is back to within one.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Championship semi-finalist on Sky Sports

Luke Humphries is not playing as well as he was and that is an absolute fact. He's stood there wondering why.

Humphries is shaking his head. There's a negative all the time.

The first hold of the match gives Rob Cross a two-leg lead.

He hits double five to take it with Luke Humphries waiting on 49.

It's been a strange start from Humphries. One fantastic leg and three others where he has not been at it at all.

Rob Cross appears to have made a mess of a chance to break with a visit of just 22.

However, Luke Humphries then misses darts at double eight and double four to give Voltage another opportunity.

He needs some luck with the dart deflecting in off the flight of another but Cross gets the double 16 he needs for another break.

Luke Humphries seems to have warmed up!

He starts the leg with a 180, gets a lovely 149 set-up that included the bullseye and then finishes it off by hitting double 16.

A 10-darter to level it up.

Rob Cross picks up where he left off in the semi-final.

With Luke Humphries taking his time to get up and running, Voltage storms to a 14-dart break of throw.

Very efficient from Cross to put Humphries on the back foot immediately.

Luke Humphries talking to Sky Sports: "Rob Cross still has a chance to qualify and he's going to be laid back because there's no pressure on his shoulders. If he wins tonight and next week he's in with a massive chance. I know I'm going to have to be on the top of my game to beat Rob."

If anyone can live with Luke Littler in that kind of form, it's Luke Humphries.

But the world champion has been a little out of sorts in recent weeks. Perhaps a quiet start to the night thanks to his bye through to the semis will help him get back to his best.

He's up against Rob Cross, who did for Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, and needs to keep winning to stand any chance of making the top four.