Thanks for tuning in today as the four World Darts Championship semi-finalists were confirmed.

In case you missed it, Ryan Searle reached the final four for the first time by beating Jonny Clayton.

Two-time champion Gary Anderson then knocked out debutant Justin Hood with a 5-2 win.

It was comfortable for defending champion Luke Littler as he cruised past Krzysztof Ratajski to a 5-0 success.

In the final game of the day, European Championship winner Gian van Veen knocked out world number two Luke Humphries - and provisionally moved up to third in the world rankings.

That's your lot for today, but you can catch up with our daily round-up and we will be back tomorrow to guide you through the semi-finals.

See you!

Here's what you've got to look forward to tomorrow:

• Luke Littler v Ryan Searle
• Gian van Veen v Gary Anderson

Image source, PA Media

Gian van Veen, speaking to Sky Sports after beating Luke Humphries 5-1 to reach the semi-final:

"You see this smile? It won't go away in the next 24 hours! I'm so over the moon.

"I felt really, really good today, I saw on the screen I had a 105 average and that sums up how I felt. Indescribable."

On playing Luke Humphries: "He's a fantastic player, and whenever you play Luke you know you need to perform at your best to get a chance to beat him, that's what I knew today and that's what I prepared for."

On feeling more comfortable after winning the third set: "The first couple of sets I felt comfortable-ish, but scoring wise he was way better than I was. He missed a couple of crucial doubles and I took my chances, then as soon as I took the third set I started scoring better and feeling more comfortable."

On being provisional world number three and Dutch number one ahead of Michael van Gerwen: "I'm so proud. As a Dutchman, when I started playing darts Michael van Gerwen was Dutch number one and you always know he'd be number one, you just hope to be number two, so to be number one is unbelievable.

"Maybe on rankings I'm now Dutch number one, but I think all Dutch people will agree - Michael van Gerwen will always be our number one, but for now in the rankings I am."

On playing in the Premier League: "I should be in now! I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow night - playing my idol Gary Anderson.

"I just want to enjoy playing on this stage, I played him at the Grand Slam last year and it was exciting, 16-14 in the end, so hopefully it'll be an exciting game tomorrow."

Here's what's up for grabs. Quarter-final losers will pocket £100,000 but those who won today have doubled their earnings from the tournament to £200,000.

• Winner: £1,000,000
• Runner-up: £400,000
• Semi-final losers: £200,000
• Quarter-final losers: £100,000

Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports

There was zero faffing there. What a performance from Gian van Veen.

That's the fifth time on the bounce Van Veen has got the better of Luke Humphries.

Gian van Veen provisionally moves up to third in the PDC world rankings - above fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen - after winning this match.

He was provisionally fifth going into this one and could be overtaken by semi-finalists Gary Anderson and Ryan Searle over the next couple of days depending on their respective performances.

Gian van Veen says "100%" this is the biggest win of his career so far.

Stick around for all the rest of the reaction.

Image source, PA Media

A 105.41 average, throwing 11 180s and checking out 55.17% of his doubles. In the final three sets, he averaged more than 111.

What a display from Gian van Veen.

Two 180s from Gian van Veen as he wins the final set he needs to reach the last four!

Luke Humphries nearly takes out 161 but just misses the bullseye.

Single 13 and double 16 is all Van Veen needs to win and he finds it at the first time of asking.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports

It's frustrating times for Luke Humphries, because again these two-dart finishes keep getting popped by Gian van Veen.

A 15-darter from Gian van Veen to go within a leg of victory.

Luke Humphries now needs to hold his throw.

Luke Humphries levels, with a maximum in the middle proving crucial.

Even Humphries is smiling as Gian van Veen goes for another 170, but he strays into the 25 with his final dart.

Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports

Gian van Veen's hardly letting Luke Humphries back for a pop at anything. He's limiting him now.

Humphries was missing, but now he's seldom getting a poke.

Gian van Veen holds his throw and wins the first leg. Will he win the set?

Wayne Mardle
Former World Matchplay finalist on Sky Sports

Massive moments here.

Incredible.

Gian van Veen nearly takes out 170 for a second time. He instead scores 145.

But Luke Humphries can't see off 95, finding only 19, and Gian van Veen sees off 25.

Gian van Veen holds his throw to take it to the final leg.

Will Luke Humphries manage to hold his?

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

That was more like it on the double 16 from Luke Humphries.