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Jenkins edges past Osborne at Purfleet

Andy Jenkins repeated his heroics of 24 hours earlier to come through another final-set thriller and reach the semi-finals of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship in Purfleet.

The 35-year-old from Hampshire won 5-4 against qualifier Colin Osborne with a performance that was almost a carbon copy of his victory over Adrian Lewis in the third round.

The only real difference was that this time Jenkins had to force the decider, his opponent's finishing letting him down when within sight of the winning line.

Osborne, who has made his name in this tournament - having rarely been seen on the big stage before - led 3-1 before Jenkins levelled it up, and the Derby-based player also edged ahead at 4-3 before Jenkins won through.

But like yesterday, Jenkins was able to sustain his form all the way through - and after taking the match to a ninth set, he broke Osborne's throw and then held thanks to a 108 finish on double 14.

Next time `Rocky' was first to the oche he wrapped it up in style, hitting double 18 at the second attempt to secure a semi-final clash with either Raymond van Barneveld or Alan Tabern.

'I've had a lucky week,' said the world number 12, who had never previously gone beyond the second round of a world championship.

'I've hit a few doubles and stolen a couple of matches. I'm so proud.'

With Van Barneveld his possible rival in the last four, Jenkins knows he could prevent the final many people want to see between the Dutchman and 13-time world champion Phil Taylor.

'I think there's too much emphasis in the tournament on Van Barneveld and Taylor,' said Jenkins.

'Six other players reached the quarter-finals and they all deserve to be here. We need a bit more respect, because we are good.'

Osborne insisted he never thought he had got the measure of Jenkins.

'I knew Andy would come back at me. I just had to keep plodding away, and in the end it wasn't enough,' he said.

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