JAMES WADE 5 – 4 John Part
James Wade moved a step closer to winning his first Ladbrokes World Championship title after beating John Part in an amazing sudden-death leg at the Alexandra Palace.
The Machine produced a stunning performance under no end of pressure from the three-time world champion, hitting five checkouts of over a hundred to win the quarter final clash.
With the players inseparable after eight sets and eight legs, Wade held his nerve to win a tense final leg. He won the bull to take the darts and hit 81 followed by a 140 to move closer to victory. Part kept up the pressure with a 174 to leave 128, but missed his second treble. The Machine kept his cool and hit 85 in two darts to win the battle and book his place in the semi-finals.
Wade hit double ten to hold his throw in the opening leg before grabbing an early break of throw by hitting double top. The seven-time major winner then found the double twenty bed again to win a third leg on the spin and take the first set.
Part got a leg on the board before Wade took out 48 to level. Darth Maple held again but the world number three hit back with his first 180 followed by a fine 82 finish to square up the set. Part had to pull out a wonderful 167 checkout to hold his throw, pulling the match level.
Wade hit double ten to take the lead in the third set and then produced a tidy 65 finish to break his opponent’s throw. The UK Open winner then wrapped up the set, hitting double ten to regain his advantage.
The Machine then put on a sensational show to win set four, hitting a brilliant 108 finish against the throw. He followed that up with his second maximum before producing another fabulous checkout, this time 140. He then hit double top again to open up a three one lead.
Wade continued to finish clinically when he took out 103 to edge ahead in the fifth set. Part held his throw to level before The Machine took out 84 in two darts to do the same. He then just missed the Bull for a 126 finish before the Canadian won the next two legs to win the set.
Part held his throw in the first leg of the sixth set before taking out 116 to break again and double his lead. Darth Maple then took out 75 to level the match.
Wade stopped the rot by hitting double top to hold his throw before his opponent did the same. The Machine hammered home another maximum before taking out 82 under pressure to edge back in front. Darth Maple held again and Wade responded with his fifth 180 but was unable to prevent Part breaking his throw to go ahead in the match for the first time.
With Part needing to keep hold of is throw in the eighth set to win the match, Wade hit double hit ten to grab a crucial break. He then took out 81 to double his lead with a fantastic twelve dart leg. The Canadian held his throw to pull a leg back but The Machine found double top again to restore parity and force a deciding set.
Wade hit double five under extreme pressure to hold his throw in the first leg of the decider before Part levelled. The Machine kept his composure under pressure again, hitting double two to edge back in front. Darth Maple held his throw again, meaning either player needed to win by two clear legs.
Wade forced himself in front in the tie breaker by hitting the tournament’s 500th 180, followed by a magnificent 124 checkout on the bull. The Canadian pulled level again by holding his throw before breaking to leave himself throwing for the match. The Machine kept his title dream alive with another big finish, taking out 108 to pull himself level. He then produced back to back 180’s to go back in front with a phenomenal twelve dart leg. Part hit double top to hold his throw and force the sudden death leg, which The Machine won on double top to reach the final four
Wade will play either Adrian Lewis or Terry Jenkins on Sunday evening for a place in the final.
By Chris Murphy
