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JAMES WADE 10 – 5 Andy Smith

James Wade sealed his place in round two of the Bet Victor World Matchplay by defeating Andy Smith in Blackpool.

The former champion coasted into a 6-1 lead before eventually triumphing 10-5 at the Winter Gardens on Saturday.

The world number six will take on Brendan Dolan or Richie Burnett in the last 16.

“I didn’t play as well as I wanted to but it’s a win so I’ll take it,” said Wade, who recently enjoyed his first tournament victory for three years.

“My form has been very good lately and I want to bring that on to the big stage. It didn’t quite happen tonight but I’m sure it will come at some point – hopefully in the next game.

“I love this tournament and I always seem to do well here but I’m only thinking about the next game. It would be foolish to look any further than that.”

Wade took out 48 to break Smith’s throw in the first leg and swiftly moved into a 6-1 lead.

Smith pulled two legs back before Wade took out 44 on double top.

‘The Pieman’ kept his hopes alive by bedding double 18 but ‘The Machine’ closed out the win, taking three straight legs and hitting back to back 180s in the last as he booked his place in the last 16.

By Chris Murphy