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James Wade sealed the final McCoy’s Premier League play-off spot after grabbing a crucial draw against Phil Taylor in Newcastle on Thursday.
Wade ended a run of three straight defeats by taking a point off ‘The Power’, and it proved to be enough to fend off his challengers on the final night of league action.
‘The Machine’ has now reached the semi-finals, which take place at London’s O2 next week, six times in the last seven years and the 2009 champion is hoping to take glory again.
“I’m very relieved but also very proud to be in the finals,” said Wade, the world number four.
“This has been achieved over fourteen weeks and not just tonight but the job is not complete yet.
“I’ve set myself a target of winning two big TV titles this year and I am determined to make this the first of them.
“It was an important draw against Phil but it also shows that I can perform under pressure and there is no reason that I can’t go all the way.”
Wade sealed an immediate break of throw by bedding tops and ‘The Machine’ pinned double five to double his lead.
Taylor pulled a leg back before taking out 69 to level. ‘The Power’ then took the lead with an eleven-dart-leg but Wade responded with a 180 before he nailed double eight to make it three legs apiece.
Taylor moved back in front but Wade levelled again with the aid of his second maximum. His third 180 wasn’t enough to force a timely break of throw as the world number four missed a dart at the bull, which his opponent punished.
‘The Machine’ produced a brilliant checkout of 90 in two darts to level the match again after Taylor missed a dart at double top, although the world number one won the next leg to make sure of a draw.
And Wade took his share of the spoils by winning the final leg, which proved to seal his place in the semi-finals, where he will face Dutchman Michael van Gerwen in a repeat of their last four clash in the World Championships.
By Chris Murphy
SEE JAMES WADE IN ACTION WHEN TOP CLASS DARTS RETURNS TO THE NORTH EAST NEXT MONTH – CLICK HERE FOR MORE
