Chris Dobey came from two sets down to beat former champion Gerwyn Price 5-3 and reach the PDC World Championship semi-finals for the first time.
Dobey, who lost in the last eight in the last two years, held firm after a blistering start from Price to win four sets on the bounce and had five darts to win 5-2.
The Englishman’s failure to finish the job brought back memories of his quarter-final defeat by Rob Cross last year, when he surrendered a 4-0 lead.
However, a break allowed Dobey to regroup and ensured there would be no repeat of that collapse, sealing the victory with a brilliant double-double finish on the 18s.
He will meet three-time champion Michael van Gerwen or unseeded Callan Rydz in the last four.
“Getting over that defeat last year and getting over the line this year means a lot,” Dobey told Sky Sports.
“I’ve never been so nervous throwing for a winning double as I have today. I’m just pleased I grinded it out and got the win.”
Dobey was up against it early on with 2021 winner Price making a flying start, averaging 103.1 in the opening set and then breaking to win the second 3-1.
However, Dobey responded by averaging 113.19 in the third to halve the deficit, and pushed on with Price starting to struggle on the outer ring.
Those issues continued throughout the match, with the Welshman missing 41 darts at double in total, and Dobey happily took advantage.
The 34-year-old from Bedlington, Northumberland, started with a 180 when 4-2 up but was suddenly overcome by nerves and let five darts for the match go begging, with attempts at double 10 and double four missing the mark by a distance.
But he showed great resilience to put those misses behind him and finish the job in the next set.
“It reminded me exactly of last year,” Dobey added. “I thought, just keep going, you will get another chance. Luckily, I finally got over the line.
“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. I’m buzzing to get that win.”
