James Wade produced an impressive performance, as he beat former World Champion Jelle Klaasen in straight sets to move a step closer to winning the elusive Ladbrokes World Championship title.
The Machine scored well and showed some ruthless finishing, especially on double ten, to book his place in round three.
Wade held his throw comfortably in the opening leg and his first maximum helped him grab a break of throw straight after. His second 180 soon followed as he wrapped up the first set, hitting double ten to win each leg.
The Machine continued his perfect success rate on that double, grabbing a break of throw and then holding, hitting the same bed both times. Klaasen got a leg on the board before Wade hit double top to take set two.
Wade was unlucky to miss double 16 for a 146 checkout before Klaasen got a break of throw in the first leg of set three. The former BDO World Champion then hit double eight to double his lead. The Machine hit back with another perfect dart at double ten before hitting double top for a break of throw. He completed a comeback in the set, hitting double ten yet again to take a three set lead.
The UK Open winner hit double top to grab and early break in the fourth set, before another maximum followed by a 46 checkout left him within a leg of round three. The Matador held his throw, but he was only delaying the inevitable as Wade produced a brilliant eleven dart leg to keep his title hunt on course.
His third round match will be played on Thursday December 29th.
By Chris Murphy