Michael van Gerwen beats Peter Wright to reach World Matchplay final

Michael van Gerwen beat Peter Wright 17-12 tonight to book a World Matchplay final date with James Wade in Blackpool.

Nothing could separate the pair after the first six games as the duo rattled off three games apiece in a competitive opening to the clash.

However, world number one Van Gerwen inflicted two breaks of throw en route to a comfortable 7-3 lead. Wright, ranked fifth in the world, gave rise to suggestions that he could come back in the 15th game by checking out 161 to make it 9-6.

Nevertheless, he failed to build on those foundations and Van Gerwen - a losing finalist to Phil Taylor last year - soon cruised into a six-game advantage to lead 14-8.

Despite a brief scare after Wright brought it back to 14-11, the Dutchman stumbled over the finish line to move one step away from redemption after his defeat 12 months ago.