Friday 14 November 2014 12:13, UK
Adrian Lewis progressed to the semi-finals of the BetVictor World Matchplay after edging Andy Hamilton 19-17 in a classic encounter at the Winter Gardens.
Lewis was staring elimination in the face when his fellow Stoke thrower held a 13-10 advantage, but he produced a dramatic comeback and ultimately prevailed after extra legs were needed.
The sensational win sets up a last-four clash with Michael van Gerwen, who secured a 16-11 triumph over Dave Chisnall in Friday's second match.
The first four legs all went against the throw in the opener before Hamilton finally held, but Lewis then reeled off back-to-back legs to move 4-3 up.
The double world champion was not able to capitalise as Hamilton nailed a maximum 170 checkout followed by a 127 finish to edge in front again, although Lewis then took out 100 with two darts in double top.
Hamilton eventually managed to assert himself and opened up a seemingly crucial three-leg cushion, but with time running out Lewis hit an 11-darter to break throw and close to within one at 13-12.
He drew level in the next leg and hit an amazing 161 checkout to square things up again when on the brink of defeat at 16-15. With a two-leg margin needed for victory, Lewis took out 78 to beak in the 35th leg and then held throw to seal the win.
"It was like watching Simon (Whitlock) and James (Wade) last night. It was a similar game," Lewis told Sky Sports.
"I was lucky to get over the line there, Hammer was pushing me and he took a lot of beating."
Premier League champion van Gerwen then knocked out Chisnall in much more comfortable fashion.
Both players regularly peppered the treble 20 and Chisnall was still very much in with a chance at 8-7 down, but the Dutchman, who averaged 102.29, eventually pulled away from his opponent.
"I thought I didn't play well but I still had an average of over 100 and I'm very happy with that," van Gerwen said.
He added: "I was a little upset with myself because I didn't throw as well as I can do but at the end of the day it's all about winning the game, and that's what I did."
