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Wales 1 – 5 England

Wales bowed out the World Cup in the semi-final stage at the hands of an England team containing the world’s top two players.

Mark Webster’s chances of reaching the final for a second consecutive year were ended when he and Richie Burnett fell at the final hurdle.

The pair played fantastic darts throughout the tournament but were unable to overcome the favourites in the last four.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Richie Burnett 4 – 1 Phil Taylor

Richie Burnett inflicted more misery on world number one Phil Taylor by condemning ‘The Power’ to defeat with a stunning performance. The Welshman averaged 108 in his win over the 15-time world champion.

Burnett started well by winning the first leg against the throw. He hit his first 180 in the following leg before taking out 60 to double his advantage. Taylor pulled a leg back before Burnett hit double top to move within a leg of victory.

‘The Prince of Wales’ took out 76 to complete a brilliant win, which gave Wales the first point of the match.

MARK WEBSTER 0 – 4 Adrian Lewis

Mark Webster suffered a defeat at the hands of world champion Adrian Lewis, who produced a brilliant display to beat the Welshman.

Webster hit a 180 in the opening leg but Lewis won all four legs with a strong performance. The reigning World Champion posted a 104 average and levelled up the match for England.

MARK WEBSTER 1 –  4 Phil Taylor

Mark Webster became the victim of a Phil Taylor backlash, when the world number one returned to form to win his first singles match of the tournament.

Taylor won the first leg before checking out 66 to double his lead. Webster stormed back by hitting double ten after setting it up from 170. ‘Spider’ just missed double top in the next leg though, and Taylor hit double three to restore his advantage.

‘The Power’ hit an eleven darter to put England a point in front in the match.

Richie Burnett 3 – 4 Adrian Lewis

Richie Burnett was beaten by Adrian Lewis in his second singles match of the semi-final despite another impressive performance.

It took an almighty effort from Lewis to win the first leg as he checked out 155 with Burnett waiting on his double. ‘The Prince of Wales’ hit double ten to restore parity. He followed that up with his second maximum before producing a sensational 93 finish of 25, 18, Bull to edge in front.

Burnett hit another 180 to kick off the fourth leg but ‘Jackpot’ drew level. Lewis then took the lead with a 111 checkout before Burnett forced a deciding leg.

The world champion hit double top to deny Burnett the victory, meaning that Wales would have to win the pairs to force a sudden death decider.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

WEBSTER & Burnett 2 –  4 Taylor & Lewis

Mark Webster and Richie Burnett were denied a place in the World Cup final after suffering defeat at the hands of the two highest ranked players in the World.

Lewis hit double top to give England the lead. Burnett responded with the first 180 of the showdown before hitting double ten to draw level.

Taylor took out 111 to restore England’s, and Lewis doubled it by hitting double 16. Burnett hit another 180 as Wales attempted to fight back, before hitting double two to leave them in with a chance.

It wasn’t to be for Wales though, as Lewis took out 65 to send England through to the final.

By Chris Murphy