Defending champion Gary Anderson is into the PDC World Darts Championship Semi Finals

Not even equalling the world record for the most 180s thrown in a match could save unlucky loser Dave Chisnall on Friday.

An extraordinary match at London's Alexandra Palace ended in a 5-3 win for Gary Anderson, who is searching for a third successive PDC World Darts Championship title and now advances to the semi-finals.

Chisnall hit an astonishing 21 180s in the quarter-final, matching Raymond van Barneveld's number of maximums during his unforgettable final against Phil Taylor in 2007.

Gary Anderson remains on course for his third successive PDC World Darts Championship title

Chizzy lost here, however, and Anderson is also looking to make history by going for a third title on the trot. Only Taylor and Eric Bristow have enjoyed three straight successes.

Winning this set up a semi-final against Peter Wright and Anderson — who hit 12 maximums himself — said: 'All I can remember is loads of 180s because Dave is one of the biggest scorers in the game. Hats off to him. He had me done. But I am still here fighting.

'I was a wee bit panicky in the last set and I am now looking forward to the semis.'

Anderson advanced to this year's semi-finals with a 5-3 victory over Dave Chisnall on Friday

Anderson — notoriously nervous before stepping foot on stage, so much so that he is sometimes sick — could still join the pair in the history books.