MICHAEL VAN GERWEN claimed his first BetVictor World Matchplay title with a brilliant 18-12 win over James Wade in Sunday's final at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

PICTURES from semi-finals night at the BetVictor World Matchplay at the Blackpool Winter Gardens.

PHIL TAYLOR'S seven-year reign as the BetVictor World Matchplay champion was sensationally ended by James Wade in the semi-finals as Michael van Gerwen overcame Peter Wright.

PICTURES from day seven of the BetVictor World Matchplay at the Blackpool Winter Gardens.

PHIL TAYLOR and James Wade will clash in the BetVictor World Matchplay semi-finals on Saturday night after enjoying victories over Dave Chisnall and Mensur Suljovic respectively in their quarter-final contests at the Winter Gardens.

PICTURES from the first evening of BetVictor World Matchplay quarter-finals at the Blackpool Winter Gardens.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN won through to the BetVictor World Matchplay semi-finals with an epic 16-13 defeat of plucky Ian White on Thursday night, as Peter Wright enjoyed a 16-7 quarter-final win over Gerwyn Price in Blackpool.

GERWYN PRICE used to knock over big players for a living as a rugby player - but is now getting used to knocking out the biggest names in darts after reaching the BetVictor World Matchplay quarter-finals.

PICTURES from day five of the BetVictor World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

MENSUR SULJOVIC stunned World Champion Gary Anderson with a 13-9 victory at the BetVictor World Matchplay on Wednesday night as Phil Taylor missed double 12 for a nine-darter in joining James Wade and Dave Chisnall in the last eight in Blackpool.