KIRK SHEPHERD is the new kid on the block in world darts and is absolutely loving it.

The 21-year-old sheet metal worker from Ramsgate has surprised everyone, including perhaps himself, by reaching the semi-finals on his debut at the PDC World Championships at Alexandra Palace tonight, going further than 13-time world champion Phil "The Power" Taylor.

Shepherd, who battled his way through five qualifying rounds at Wolverhampton to make his debut in the event, defeated Peter Manley 5-4 in the quarter-finals on Saturday, having previously put out world number four Terry Jenkins, Mick MaGowan and Barrie Bates.

Shepherd was 4-3 down against Manley, but recovered to pull off a sensational win in front of a capacity crowd of 3,000, and a big armchair television audience.

The former World Youth Masters champion said: "It’s a dream come true, I can’t believe it.

"If someone had said to me at the start of the competition, that I would reach the semi-finals, I’d have settled for that."

Manley missed two match darts, and Jenkins and McGowan also had darts to beat the Thanet rookie, but Shepherd added: "It’s a lot about confidence and I held my nerve."

Dad Keith, who is also Kirk’s manager, speaking before tonight’s last four clash against Wayne "Hawaii 501" Mardle said: "He was happy enough just to qualify, but it’s been a real roller-coaster of a week, and what he has achieved here could change his life for ever."