James Wade and Simon Whitlock both moved closer to sealing spots in the semi-finals of the McCoy’s Premier League with impressive victories in Sheffield.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

Wade saw off reigning championing Gary Anderson 8-3 to move up to third in the table, while Whitlock remains in second place after an 8-5 triumph against Kevin Painter at the Motorpoint Arena.

Raymond van Barneveld occupies the final top four place, despite suffering a defeat at the hands of runaway leader Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, meaning that all three MODUS stars are currently in line for semi-final appearances.

Wade’s sharp finishing proved too much for Anderson, as the ‘The Machine’ hit eight out of 15 attempts at doubles and averaged over 100 to claim the win.

“I enjoyed that game and I’m happy that the result went my way,” said the 2009 winner. “I’m not the greatest scorer in the world so my finishing needs to be good for me to win games, and it was tonight.”

Wade’s win takes him to ten points after as many weeks of action, two behind Simon Whitlock, who posted a ton-plus average for the second week running.

‘The Wizard’ produced a strong display against Painter, who had beaten him on week three, to put daylight between himself and the chasing pack.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

“I don’t think I’m in the Play-Offs after that win – I think I need 15 points at least – but it’s another step towards it,” said Whitlock who is currently second with 12 points.

“I had one really bad week when I had that horrific 8-0 loss to James Wade but I’ve bounced back well, and I’m showing how good I am at the moment.”

Anderson, who was playing twice in the absence of Adrian Lewis, drew the final match of the night with Andy Hamilton, after ‘Barney’ had been beaten by Taylor.

The tournament continues in Bournemouth next week, where van Barneveld and Whitlock will meet before Wade takes on Hamilton.

Exclusive audio interviews with James Wade and Simon Whitlock (recorded immediately after their victories) are available to MODUS Elite customers only. Click here for details of how to become a MODUS Elite member.

By Chris Murphy

Latest League Table

SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 5 Kevin Painter

Simon Whitlock moved a step closer to sealing a semi-final spot with victory over Kevin Painter on night ten of the McCoy’s Premier League in Sheffield.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Australian posted an average of over 100 for the second week running, as he exacted revenge for the defeat he suffered against Painter in Belfast on week three.

Despite moving onto twelve points with four weeks of the league stage to play, Whitlock doesn’t believe he has booked his place in the last four just yet.

“I’m definitely not there yet. I need 15 points at least in my head but there’s no reason why I won’t go on and get that,” said Whitlock, who is up against Raymond van Barneveld next week.

“I’m happy, I’m playing good darts and I’m looking forward to playing ‘Barney’. We have put on some good shows in the last few years and hopefully it will be another good one. I still think I need another couple of wins to qualify, hopefully I can get the first of those in Bournemouth.”

Painter won the first two legs before ‘The Wizard’ hit tops to pull a leg back. The Australian then broke his opponent’s throw to restore parity, hitting his first 180 in the process.

‘The Artist’ broke straight back to edge ahead again before ‘The Beard to be feared’ did the same, hitting another maximum before hitting double six, to go into the break with three legs apiece.

Whitlock hit his third 180 in the seventh leg, which he won by hitting double ten. ‘The Wizard’ then grabbed a break of throw with a neat 66 checkout, before holding to take a 6-3 lead.

Painter pulled a leg back but Whitlock responded in style with a brilliant eleven darter. ‘The Artist’ hit double top to keep the match alive but Whitlock got the job done, hitting double ten to move himself clear  of the chasing pack in second place.

By Chris Murphy