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JAMES WADE 7 – 4 Robert Thornton
James Wade moved closer to sealing a McCoy’s Premier League play-off place with a well-earned victory against Robert Thornton in Dublin on Thursday evening.
Wade moved onto 16 points in the table as he claimed a terrific triumph in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at the O2.
The 2009 winner grabbed a crucial break of throw after the first eight legs had been shared and closed out the match to keep up the pressure on league leader Michael van Gerwen.
“It was a tough match but I remained focused and got the job done,” said Wade, who is appearing at the Allstars of Andover in August.
“Robert is a fighter and I had to outfight him a little bit there.
“I didn’t think I was going to shake him off as I kept breaking and he kept doing the same early on but eventually I got one break that he didn’t reply to and I’m happy to get another win.
“My eyes are on the top of the table now. I’m feeling great and I want to go all the way and win this again.”
Wade’s opening leg 174 was followed by Thornton’s first 180 but ‘The Machine’ grabbed an immediate break of throw on tops, completing an eleven darter.
‘The Thorn’ broke back straight way and in some style, taking out a fabulous 140 checkout to draw level.
Wade pegged double five to repeat the feat again but Thornton made it four breaks in a row with a clinical kill of 118.
The Scotsman then held on double top to take the lead for the first time before Wade restored parity by bedding double ten.
Thornton pinned tops once more to lead 4-3 but the world number four popped in his first 180, followed by a 72 finish to level proceedings again.
Wade then picked off a timely 68 finish to break before a ensuring at least a draw when he hit double ten.
Thornton missed a darts at double top in what proved to be the final leg as ‘The Machine’ capitalised by bedding double six.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
