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A seventh break of throw in the match as MVG takes out 72.

That's five consecutive breaks - but it's the Dutchman who is a leg away from a final against 16-year-old Luke Littler.

Dan Dawson
Darts commentator on ITV4

Since the break, MVG has had multiple darts to win each leg - and he's only hit one.

Big 177 visit from Michael van Gerwen but he misses two more doubles.

And this time he's made to pay! Michael Smith lands a 130 finish with the bull!

These two met in the 2019 World final when MVG won the third of his three Ally Pally crowns by seven sets to three.

But the Dutchman sees three darts at double eight go well awry.

Michael Smith joins him in missing three by a way. MVG misses two more - but lands double four to save his skin.

Michael Smith thinks the bullseye finish is in - but it drifts millimetres to the left.

No matter as MVG fails to take advantage and Smith finishes 25 with single five and double 10.

Back level.

I like Michael Smith a lot.

But let's be honest, we all want MVG v Luke 'The Nuke', don't we? Hit the thumbs.

Mark Webster
2008 BDO world champion on ITV4

That could be a key moment in the match for Michael van Gerwen, the break of throw and he’s halfway from setting up a final with Luke Littler.

Image source, Getty Images

Yep, there it is - the lesser-spotted double 17 seals the break of throw for MVG as the players head off stage for a very short intermission.

Michael Smith is the defending champion here in Bahrain - he won the inaugural tournament last year but his grip on the title is slipping.

Michael van Gerwen was under real pressure on throw in leg six but dug out a double 10 finish with his last dart in hand.

And he's really closing in on a break of throw in leg seven...

Teenager Luke Littler probably having a carbonated drink and a kebab as he awaits the winner of this in the final.

Michael van Gerwen is averaging almost 100 per three-dart visit.

Which, for any darts newbies out there, is a frankly ridiculously good level.

But he's 3-2 behind despite that as both players exchange holds of throw.

However, 'Bully Boy' Michael Smith takes advantage of a below-par leg from Van Gerwen to break straight back.

He then converts a second chance at tops to nudge ahead.

Image source, PDC

Michael van Gerwen was in dominant form in his quarter-final win over Rob Cross earlier.

And he carries on the same way to start the semi. Double 18 seals a break of throw.

Right now, MVG just wants to put Michael Smith in his place - and he starts with a maximum 180.

No nine-darter, though, so score one to Littler on that matter...

Mark Webster
2008 BDO world champion on ITV4

Michael Smith has been impressive so far.

Michael van Gerwen missed just one dart at a double against Rob Cross.

He's one of those players who would like to win this game and try to put Luke Littler in his place.

So then, all that remains is to see who will face 16-year-old in the Bahrain Masters final.

It will be a Michael (great name) - either Smith or Van Gerwen.

Image source, PDC

He only needs one! Standard.

Luke Littler is deadly on double top.

The 16-year-old beat two former world champions at the Alexandra Palace - and now he's added another to his growing list of sensational scalps.

In the final on his first ever World Series event. The records and milestones just keep tumbling.

Three darts at tops for the match for Luke Littler...

A very sloppy 10th leg, with both players struggling to find the treble bed.

Wow!

Gerwyn Price still in this!

Luke Littler misses double 16 for the match and the Welshman takes out 146! Two treble 20s and double 13.

The players exchange smiles on the oche.