Michael Van Gerwen is determined to make sure the hard work he has put in to reach his fourth PDC World Darts Championship final ends with a third world title.
The 29-year-old set up a New Year's Day decider with Michael Smith by thrashing Gary Anderson 6-1 in his semi-final after Smith booked his first final appearance with a 6-3 win over Nathan Aspinall at Alexandra Palace.
Van Gerwen is hoping to win his third title and – after missing out on reaching the final 12 months ago – he has put the hours in to make sure he starts 2019 by lifting the Sid Waddell trophy.
ROUND-UP! Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith will meet in the final of the @WilliamHill World Championship after claiming semi-final victories over Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall respectively at London's Alexandra Palace.
▶️ https://t.co/GbHGnvdDYh pic.twitter.com/KdgnSY4taQ
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 30, 2018
"It's to be a phenomenal game with Michael (Smith)," Van Gerwen told Sky Sports after beating Anderson.
"I'm to be a different player to Nathan Aspinall who had a phenomenal tournament.
"I have a phenomenal record against Michael and I'm looking forward to playing him.
A fantastic moment for me tonight. To get a win like that against a player the quality of Gary is phenomenal. I'm really pleased with my performance and am looking forward to the final against Michael Smith. Have a great New Year's Eve everyone and enjoy the darts on the 1st. pic.twitter.com/yI12kql5hR
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 30, 2018
"This (tournament) means the world to me. I'm working my nuts off every week, week after week.
"I do a lot to come to the stage and I'm really glad I'm in the final.
"The work is not done yet and I have to do more."
Sorry guys just got an ass whooping from @MvG180 🙈 Best of luck to both boys in the final. Also what a game between @NathanAspi & @BullyBoy180 outstanding game what a future they both have. Happy new year thanks for all your support! — Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) December 30, 2018
The winner of Tuesday's final takes home a cheque for £500,000.
Smith admits he had to overcome nerves in the early stages of his semi-final with Aspinall, before the 28-year-old edged closer to fulfilling his dream of being crowned world champion.
"It sounds so good (to be in the final)," Smith said.
What have I just done 😢😢 — Michael Smith (@BullyBoy180) December 30, 2018
"I'm one step away from fulfilling my dream.
"The first two sets I was cruising and he (Aspinall) started to come back and I was like, 'oh, I've got to start doing something now'.
Well that's the end for me this year. What a tournament it's been. Thank you for everyone's support and I'll be back in 2019 stronger. Good luck to @BullyBoy180 & @MvG180 in tomorrow's final should be a cracker. @WilliamHill @OfficialPDC @Zxfsports — Nathan Aspinall (@NathanAspi) December 31, 2018
"Nathan got better and better and better but I took the chances as they came.
"I think the seventh set was the crucial moment because I felt I was going to win after I went 4-3 up.
"I was so nervous and I nearly made a mess of it, but I'm so glad I held it together and got the job done."
