Image source, Getty Images

Luke Littler survived a fightback from Andrew Gilding to set up a semi-final against Josh Rock.

The world champion was on course for a regulation win after opening up a sizeable lead in the quarter-final, first at 12-8 and again at 14-9.

But Gilding responded by winning three consecutive legs and pegged him back to 15-14, but the 18-year-old held his nerve for a 16-14 success.

Littler averaged 103.91 and threw 18 maximums en route to his first semi-final at the event as he continues his bid to complete the triple crown.

Rock is standing in his way after he averaged 104.02 in beating Gerwyn Price 16-11 on Friday.

The Northern Irishman finished it in style with a 164 checkout to reach his second PDC major semi-final of the year.

"Littler's one of my closest friends behind the scenes," he told Sky Sports. "I hope we both turn up. Hopefully it will be a cracking game."

OK then, we are most certainly not done yet. Let's look ahead to the second semi-final...

Image source, Getty Images

There have been a total of 13 World Matchplay winners since its inception, with nobody winning more than Phil 'The Power' Taylor.

Taylor competed in 24 World Matchplays throughout his career, making the final on 17 occasions.

He won all but one of those 17.

James Wade was the only former champion left in the semi-finals - and he's still in with a chance of becoming just the fourth player to win it more than once...

World Matchplay champions:

• Phil Taylor (16)
• Michael van Gerwen (3)
• Rod Harrington (2)
• James Wade
• Gary Anderson
• Peter Wright
• Dimitri Van den Bergh
• Larry Butler
• Peter Evison
• Colin Lloyd
• Rob Cross
• Nathan Aspinall
• Luke Humphries

Brackets show number of World Matchplay titles if more than one.

James Wade speaking to Sky Sports: "I'm just done. There are two amazing wonderful dart players in the world and that is Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton - forget about what you see with all the others, those two are probably the nicest men in darts. I am flabbergasted."

On whether he needs to give himself a pat on the back: "Unfortunately with darts today you are surrounded by great darts players with massive talent. I think Jonny let me off right at the last minute but to be fair I let him off before that. I am exhausted after that. I thought that was a good game but when I looked at the averages, I didn't realise it was that good. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves because I hated every single minute of it!"

After an incredible 38-leg semi-final, both players finish with 100-plus averages.

James Wade edges it 101.79 to 100.97, with Jonny Clayton 9-8 up on 180s..

Wade's efficiency on the doubles was probably the difference in the end. He was 55.6% on the outer ring to Clayton's 43.9%.

What a match!

"I'm exhausted after that," James Wade tells Sky Sports.

"I thought that was a good match, you know?"

That might be one of the great understatements! We'll have more from that interview for you shortly.

Rod Studd
Commentator on Sky Sports

One of the great Winter Gardens semi-finals, one of the great dart matches of the 21st century.

Image source, PDC/Taylor Lanning

James Wade holds his arms aloft - he is through to his seventh World Matchplay final after a truly remarkable semi-final!

Somehow, Jonny Clayton came back from 16-10 down to force extra legs but with a sudden death leg looming, Wade gets the break.

Clayton looked all set for another hold but needing just 55, he misses darts at tops and double 10.

Wade then misses double 18 but regroups and hits double nine to advance.

And breathe...

James Wade puts his hands to his head after missing double four to give Jonny Clayton a shot at 161.

But he can't take it, Wade gets double four on his next visit and it's back over to Clayton.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

How could you not be watching this? It is enthralling.

Two 180s in the leg and Jonny Clayton holds to keep this match going.

The pressure is put on by James Wade but Clayton hits double five.

We're heading towards a sudden death leg...

James Wade edges ahead once more.

He misses a couple at double but had enough of an advantage that it doesn't cost him. Double 14 secures a hold.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

Jonny, you are miraculous.

Image source, PDC/Taylor Lanning

Match dart goes begging for James Wade.

He gets one at double 18, just misses on the outside and Jonny Clayton comes back to hit double 10.

A 13-dart hold and on we go...

This match just gets better and better!

Forget the disappointment of losing six legs on the bounce from the brink of victory, James Wade brushes it off and takes out 161!

Jonny Clayton had kept pace with him but doesn't get a look at his 161. Wade is a leg from the final again...

Rod Studd
Commentator on Sky Sports

All square from absolutely nowhere! Clayton was down on the canvas.

Goodness me, this is unbelievable.

Six legs in a row for Jonny Clayton! He hits tops to hold and we are ALL SQUARE.

Into overtime we go. Remember you need to win by two clear legs.

John Part
Former PDC world champion on Sky Sports

You just can't make it up. This is an incredible comeback. How is this even possible?

Image source, PDC/Taylor Lanning

INCREDIBLE!

Jonny Clayton has broken for the third time in a row - and we're back on throw!

This game was over, it was done. James Wade was in the final... but no.

Both players get down to 120, Wade can't get... but Clayton can. Madness!