Taylor was in top form as he whitewashed Welshman Webster

Phil Taylor overwhelmed Mark Webster 6-0 to book a PDC World Championship final against debutant Simon Whitlock.

Australian Whitlock earlier held his nerve to beat Raymond van Barneveld 6-5 in a gripping semi-final.

The 40-year-old surprise package came from 4-2 down to sink the five-time world champion.

The second semi-final was a dazzling performance by Taylor, seeking a 15th world title, with "The Power" hitting ten 180s to Welshman Webster's one.

His three-dart average was a superb 106.

The world number one will start as a strong favourite to beat Whitlock, although the Australian is brimming with confidence having beaten the world numbers three and two in successive matches.

Taylor has dropped only one set on his route through to the final, and was again in irresistible form against former BDO world champion Webster.

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"That's how you play a semi-final. You've got to attack," said the 49-year-old.

"It's going to be a cracking final. I think me and Simon have played the best in the two halves.

"He's a good player, great under pressure, his finishing this week has been fantastic."

Whitlock was in trouble when Van Barneveld, already 4-2 ahead, broke in the seventh set.

But the Dutchman, who has been struggling with fatigue caused by his recently-diagnosed diabetes, faltered and Whitlock hauled himself level before holding off a late Van Barneveld charge to book his place in the final.

The 40-year-old checked out with a 60, after Van Barneveld had twice missed a double eight to break Whitlock in the third leg of the decider.

Whitlock roared back from 4-2 down to beat Van Barneveld

"I didn't know where that last dart was going and fortunately it went in," said Whitlock, nicknamed the "Wizard".

"I was so nervous. It's the hardest double to hit, that last one to win the match."

A bemused Van Barneveld, who finished with a higher three-dart average than his opponent, felt he had put in his best performance of the week.

"I was very comfortable at 4-2. The whole week I didn't play right. Now I play right and I lose... Funny game," said the Dutchman.

"This is where you want to perform, and I didn't reach the final so that's my 2010 over already!"

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