Wade wins coral.co.uk Players Championship opener

JAMES WADE ended Steve Beaton's hopes with a 6-2 victory in the first round of the coral.co.uk Players Championship at the Circus Tavern.

Beaton had opportunities to go 3-1 up in the early stages of the match, but those wasted chances proved be costly as the UK Open champion took complete command.

Wade won the first leg of the match before Beaton held throw with an excellent 106 finish, after Wade missed bullseye for what would have been a 'showpiece' 125 checkout.

Beaton then won the third leg against the darts after Wade had missed four opportunities to hold throw.

But Wade immediately broke back to level the match with a two-dart 61 finish after Beaton missed three darts at doubles for a 3-1 lead, and double top put him back in front.

Beaton hit his second maximum of the game in the sixth leg, but wasted two more chances at doubles to level.

The world number two then won the seventh to go 5-2 up and wrapped up the match in fine style with a 126 checkout, finishing on the bullseye to set up a clash with Kevin Painter in round two.