PDC World Darts Championship – in pictures

The reigning world champion, Adrian Lewis, enters the stage ahead of his first round victory against Nigel Heydon Photograph: PA

It's a packed house at the Alexandra Palace Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Looks like Dreamy Smurf has made it along to Ally Pally Photograph: PA

A patriotic set of darts Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images

A rather festive fan Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images

It's not David Dickinson in the crowd, it's a darts fan dressed as an Oompa-Loompa Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

The most recognisable right arm in darts Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

Darts fans do the 'Poznan' Photograph: PA

It's no wonder Michael Smith looks despondent, he's lost his first round match against Raymond van Barneveld Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

(Down) In One - A fan dressed as Bully (or should that be Boozy) Photograph: PA

A Paul Lim fan looks on, and she had good reason to look worried as Lim lost to Michael van Gerwen Photograph: PA

Aren't you a little short for a darts fan? Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

A multiple exposure image shows the throwing action of Brendan Dolan Photograph: Tom Shaw/Getty Images

No wonder they're wearing shades, imagine looking at those shirts after a few beers Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Not a speedboat in sight Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Get in – Andy Hamilton celebrates during his second round match Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Shiny not very happy person Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Grey not very happy rabbit Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

A dejected Robert Thornton Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

Scary clowns ... Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

... and thirsty clown Photograph: Phil Cole/PA

Peter Wright sporting a rather natty hair-do Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images

Speaking of hair-dos here's a close up of The Wizard's ponytail Photograph: Phil Cole/PA

Saucy! Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Phil Taylor and the Oche Girls looking rather festive Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

An unhappy looking Kiss fan in the audience Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

Come on admit it, at first glance you thought that was the real Prince Harry Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Dancers entertain the crowd ahead of a quarter final match Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

The agony ... Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

... and the ecstasy as Michael van Gerwen celebrates beating Adrian Lewis to make it through to the semi-finals Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

A cacophony of noise accompanies Raymond van Barneveld as he walks to the oche ahead of his semi-final ... Photograph: PA

Van Barneveld's opponent Phil Taylor makes his way to the oche. There was controversy at the end of the match when Van Barneveld and "the Power" clashed during the post-match handshake following Taylor's victory. The 13-time world champion has since apologised to his opponent Photograph: PA

'Nuff said Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images

Phil Taylor waits to go onto the oche before the final Photograph: PA Wire/PA

Michael van Gerwen got off to a flying start and found himself 4-2 up Photograph: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Taylor started to look worried as Van Gerwen played some brilliant darts Photograph: PA Wire/PA

But Taylor's experience and class showed as he closed in on his 16th world title Photograph: PA Wire/PA

A familiar sight as Taylor holds the trophy Photograph: PA Wire/PA