It was the perfect start - but in the end Cardigan's Jamie Lewis fell short against the greatest player to have graced darts last night, beaten 6-1 by Phil 'the power' Taylor in the PDC World Championship semi final at the Alexandra Palace.

Welsh qualifier Lewis, 26, enjoyed a fairytale run to the final four, and continued his momentum by taking out double 16 to win the first set 3-2.

And Lewis then moved 2-0 up in the second set, before 16-time World champion Taylor found his groove and fought back to level the match with three straight legs.

From then on, the 57-year old dominated, and won a further five sets on the bounce to win through to a final with Rob Cross, who stunned top seed Michael van Gerwen 6-5 in sudden death in the second semi final.

Afterwards Lewis, who threw an impressive 11 180s during the contest, was gracious in defeat and won praise from Taylor, who also handed him the match board to mark his superb efforts throughout the tournament.

"It wasn't to be tonight," he said.

"I missed a lot of chances but I think the occasion got to me and I will definitely learn from it. I just want to say a big thankyou to everyone for their support over the last few days."

The final will take place on New Year's Day.