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JAMES WADE 13 – 2 Richie Burnett
James Wade’s trademark finishing earned him a place in the last eight of the Bet Victor World Matchplay as he coasted past Richie Burnett on Tuesday.
Wade, the fifth seed for the title, triumphed 13-2 at the Winter Gardens thanks to an incredible collection of mid-range checkouts.
And the former champion set his sights on clinching the top prize once again.
He said: “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could win it so that is what I’m going after.
“Maybe I was lucky because he didn’t play well but I like to think I didn’t allow him to play well so I’m happy.
“I’m starting to get back to where I was before; perhaps I’ll be even better than before.
“It’s like being at home here. I always really look forward to coming here. I enjoy the crowd and the venue and the format is a dream for me.”
The pair exchanged breaks of throw in the opening two legs before Wade picked off 104 to take the third – also against the throw.
He then held and took out finishes of 102, 70, 98 and 96 to move into a 7-1 lead and his second 180 of the match helped him make it 8-1.
Burnett pulled one back before ‘The Machine’ fired in a third maximum as he restored a seven leg cushion.
He produced another clinical finish of 81 before breaking again by bedding double ten in a 13th leg that saw both players miss a string of double attempts.
The same double saw Wade move within a leg of victory and a fine 114 finish moved him into his ninth successive World Matchplay quarter-final.
By Chris Murphy
See James Wade live in exclusive non-televised darts events – visit www.dartshop.tv for details.
