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JAMES WADE 6 – 6 Phil Taylor

James Wade averaged over 100 for the second week running in the McCoy’s Premier League, as he earned a draw against world number one Phil Taylor in Exeter on Thursday night.

The seven-time major winner took out six combination finishes to take a point, moving his tally to five for the season.

Wade, who won the tournament in 2009, looked like he might suffer his second defeat of his 2012 campaign when he trailed Taylor 6-4 but fought back to grab a draw.

“I’m pleased to get a point against Phil,” admitted Wade, who faces Robert Thornton in Nottingham next Thursday.

“I’m practising hard and I’m starting to play good darts again.

“I’m feeling confident, perhaps more so than ever before and I’m putting myself in contention at the right end of the table.”

Wade took the lead with a nice 86 finish but Taylor levelled by bedding double eight.

‘The Machine’ rattled in his first 180 in the third leg, which he won with a clinical 85 finish.

Taylor made it two legs apiece before taking the game’s first break of throw.

‘The Power’ then held to go 4-2 in front before Wade hit back, posting his second maximum before taking out 72 to reduce Taylor’s lead to a single leg.

Taylor restored a two leg cushion before Wade punished him for missing two darts at double 16 as ‘The Machine’ produced another mid-range finish, this time 68.

The 16-time World Champion pinned double top to leave Wade needing both of the last two legs to secure a draw.

He began that mission with his third 180 and took out 58 to force a final leg, which he won with another sharp finish, taking out 80 against the throw for a share of the spoils.

By Chris Murphy