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James Wade remains on course to become World Champion for the first time after cruising past Steve Farmer to reach the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Championship at the Alexandra Palace.

The 28 year old has already won most major titles, and he moved a step closer to adding the biggest of them all to his impressive roll of honour by winning in straight sets for the second consecutive game.

The Machine got the ball rolling by hitting double five and then pounced on a bizarre miscount from Farmer; The Train hit 180 when he had 176 left, before Wade set up double top and hit it for an early break of throw. The UK Open champion then hit double ten to wrap up the first set.

Farmer hit double sixteen to get a leg on the board before Wade hit back with a tidy 96 checkout. The Machine hit a 180 before taking out 70 in two darts to break the throw. He then hit double ten once again to seal a two set advantage.

Wade just missed double top for a 120 finish, allowing Farmer to sneak a break of throw. Farmer then held to edge closer to pulling a set back, but Wade hit double top in both of the next two legs to derail The Train’s charge. The six-time major champion then hit double two to take the third set.

Farmer won the first two legs of set four to go within one leg of winning a set again. Wade hit straight back once more, hitting double eight for an instant break of throw, before hitting his third 180 on his way to levelling the set. The Machine finished the job in style by hitting a brilliant 116 checkout to book his place in the last eight.

Wade will continue his pursuit of the title when he meets former World Champion John Part in tomorrow’s quarter-final.

By Chris Murphy