Wright and Suljovic set up BetVictor World Matchplay semi-final in Blackpool

Night seven of the prestigious Blackpool event saw last year’s runner-up, Wright, win through to the semi-finals for the third time in four years thanks to an incredible 76 per cent accuracy on the doubles.

Wright took control of the tie early on and never allowed Whitlock to gain a foothold in the contest as the world number two moved a step closer to lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy.

“I wasn’t really feeling it tonight until just before I went on stage and then I got my focus,” said Wright, who will face Mensur Suljovic in Saturday’s semi-final with the winner meeting either Gary Anderson or Jeffrey de Zwaan.

“I wanted a lot more tonight but I was struggling a bit in the heat which affected my darts. I’ve been practicing my finishing a lot so it was pleasing to be so accurate on my doubles.

“The main thing was I got the win but I will have to be better to win the tournament.”

Wright took the ascendancy early on, blowing Whitlock away as he raced into a 5-0 lead and then continued his dominance to lead 8-2 at the second break.

Whitlock never stopped fighting, typified by his 132 checkout to keep the tie alive at 15-5, but the result was never in doubt for the Scot.

Wright rounded off a magnificent performance with an 82 finish on the bull to seal the biggest quarter-final winning margin since 2011 and book his place in the final four.

Earlier in the evening, Suljovic won through to his first World Matchplay semi-final thanks to a hard-fought 16-10 victory over Darren Webster.

The Austrian star started brightly, taking a 4-1 lead before Webster fought his way back and went ahead at 5-4.

Suljovic regained the lead at 6-5 but Webster, who was appearing in his second consecutive quarter-final, stuck with the three-time World Matchplay quarter-finalist.

A crucial break of throw was struck by Suljovic to go 13-10 up and he then reeled off the next three legs to book his place in the last four.

“It’s a good feeling and I’m so happy,” said Suljovic.

“My game wasn’t the best today but I never gave up. Darren is such a good player and it was a very hard match.

“I promised my son a new pair of trainers if I won so he was going crazy!”