Phil Taylor held his nerve to defeat great rival Raymond van Barneveld and book his place in the final of the PDC World Championship this evening.

The 15-time champion will now face Michael van Gerwen on New Year's Day, after the second seed beat James Wade 6-4 earlier on Sunday.

Taylor hit three double 20s from four attempts, breaking the throw twice in the process, to whitewash Barneveld in the opening set.

Barney did manage to win a leg in the second set, however it was not enough, as Taylor checked out on 107 to win it 3-1 and take a 2-0 lead.

The Dutchman responded to whitewash Taylor in set three, but Taylor then took out 141 and 111 to win set four by the same scoreline.

Taylor reeled off six of the next nine legs to move 5-1 ahead, but he then missed two match darts at double 20, allowing Barney to fight back and win sets seven (3-2), eight (3-0) and nine (3-2).

However, the Power regained his composure in set 10, taking out 68 on double 16 to win 6-4.