JAMES WADE reached his second successive Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts Final with a battling 10-8 victory over Raymond van Barneveld.
The world number two repeated his victory over the Dutchman from this stage a year ago in a thrilling contest, where the lead changed hands four times.
Wade established a 7-4 lead only for van Barneveld to regain the lead - but crucially the Dutchman missed doubles to move 9-8 up as the youngster progressed to the final.
"I'm thrilled to be in the final," said Wade. "It was such a tough semi and it could have gone either way, but Raymond let me in and I'm grateful I took my chance."
The opening stages were high-quality as the pair traded legs without being able to break their opponent's throw.
Wade produced a pair of 14-darters and three double top finishes to hold in the opening six legs, while van Barneveld was similarly clinical before taking out 105 in the seventh for a 4-3 cushion.
Wade levelled, once more on tops, before hitting the same bed to secure the first break of throw and edge ahead 5-4.
A 180 for a second successive leg helped Wade to the next, which he took on double 16, and a third-dart double four finish saw him take a 7-4 cushion.
Van Barneveld began the 12th leg with a maximum, and took two successive 116 finishes to begin his comeback, followed by an 11-darter to level and a 127 checkout to lead 8-7 in a brilliant burst.
Wade squared matters on double ten, and took advantage of misses at double 16 and double eight from the Dutchman to sneak the 17th and lead 9-8.
Wade's consistency pulled him clear in the next, with scores of 100, 140 and 140 helping to set up a double top finish for victory.
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