Taylor is just one win away from an incredible 10th world title after demolishing Dave Askew 6-0 in a one-sided semi-final in Purfleet on Friday night.

Askew was not overawed by the occasion but he was powerless to stop Taylor, who has been nothing short of sensational this week.

The 41-year-old has dropped just one leg in the last 19 against Shayne Burgess, John Part and now Askew.

In the other semi, Manley ended Colin Lloyd's Skol World Championship hopes with a 6-4 win.

A large crowd arrived at the Circus Tavern expecting fireworks from two of the game's fastest players - and they were not disappointed.

Manley edged a tight opening set by three legs to two, but both players showed they had found their range early.

Lloyd, who clinched his place in the semi-finals with a 6-4 win over Wales' Richie Burnett, hit back straight away and a confident 46 checkout sealed a 3-1 success.

The pace of the game went up a notch in the third set and both players contributed to a thrilling fourth leg.

Manley started with a maximum but Lloyd also peppered treble 20 with three darts before following up with 140.

However, Manley produced the killer blow with a 111 checkout for an 11-darter.

The vociferous spectators stood and applauded the two competitors - but Lloyd held his nerve to win the next leg and the set.

Manley clinched the fourth set with double 10 but Lloyd regained the initiative with a high-class fifth set.

The 27-year-old opened with a 134 checkout and secured the set by three legs to one with a 91 finish.

Brilliant darts

Manley then moved up another gear and dropped just one leg in the next two sets.

The 39-year-old started to take control and although Lloyd fought his way back to win the eighth set, Manley moved ahead yet again.

The 10th set went to a deciding leg but Manley nailed double eight to clinch his place in the final.

Afterwards Manley said: "It wasn't a terrific darts match, but I was frightened of losing.

"I really didn't want to lose to Colin Lloyd and I think that is how he has got through against the other lads, although he has played some brilliant darts as well."