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JAMES WADE 10 – 5 Richie Burnett

James Wade progressed into the second round of the Betfair World Matchplay with a convincing victory over Richie Burnett.

Lawrence Lustig/PDC

The 2007 champion, who has reached four finals in six attempts at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, saw off the in-form Welshman 10-5 with a solid display.

“I was very focused because I know how well Richie has been playing,” said Wade, who will now face Mark Walsh on Wednesday.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have thought about that because I know what I can do, but I love the place, the tournament and the format and I’m looking forward to playing Mark in the next round.

“I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and I’m sure I can do well here again.”

‘The Machine’ made a strong start, posting double top to win the first two legs, before extending his lead to 3-0 on double ten.

Burnett hit double six to pull a leg back but Wade restore his three-leg cushion when he found the same bed.

He continued to dominate proceedings after the break, hitting double top to break the Burnett throw again and take a 5-1 lead.

The world number three won the seventh leg on double ten, before hitting double top for another break.

Wade held to go 8-1 in front before ‘The Prince of Wales’ picked up a second leg.

Burnett added a third with a break of throw, which ‘The Machine’ responded to in style, hitting his first maximum of the match before taking out 52 on double ten to return the favour and move within a leg of victory.

The pair exchanged 180’s in the the 15th leg, as Burnett took another leg against the throw before holding to make it 9-5, granting himself a stay of execution.

‘The Machine’ finished the job off though, taking out 83 on double top to book his place in round two.

By Chris Murphy

Enjoy at night at the darts in style at the VIP EXPERIENCE,Tonbridge Oct 20.