Stylish Wade knocks Flying Scotsman out of World Matchplay

JAMES WADE continued his stanjames.com World Matchplay love affair with a superb 13-7 win over Gary Anderson as he progressed to the quarter-finals at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.

The 2007 champion has reached the final in his three previous World Matchplay campaigns, and remains on course for another appearance after a high-quality win over Anderson.

It was his first win over the Scot, whose debut in Blackpool came to a gallant end in an exciting contest.

The pair traded ten maximums, but missed doubles proved costly for Anderson as Wade's clinical accuracy set up a quarter-final with Ronnie Baxter.

Wade won the opening leg with a 100 finish, and defied maximums from Anderson to take the next three, with the Scot missing doubles in two.

Anderson hit a fourth 180 of the game and a 151 finish to get off the mark, but missed double 14 for a second leg as Wade punished him with a double 12 checkout set up by a 177 score.

Wade also landed 138 to leave tops to earn a sixth leg, which was sandwiched between finishes of double 18 and double top as Anderson pulled back to 6-3.

Anderson missed a chance on double six in the next as Wade landed a 62 finish on double ten, and though the Scot took out double 18 for a fourth leg further misses allowed the 2007 winner to pull clear with three successive legs.

Anderson then won two of the next three, defying a Wade maximum in the first, but at 11-6 another missed double top proved crucial.

Wade stepped up to hit the same bed and move a leg away from the win, although he then missed bullseye for victory in the next as Anderson scrambled home double ten.

Anderson also landed a 180 in the next leg, but Wade took out double 18 for a 13-darter which secured the win.

The 26-year-old acknowledged that he expected Anderson to prove stiff test for him, admitting: "This was the game I didn't want to play and I've come through it.

"I was very nervous beforehand because it was being built up as a massive game but I think the greatest battle for both of us was to overcome that and play a game of darts.

"Gary didn't produce his best but I hit enough vital shots to make sure he didn't turn up and did what I do best with some good finishing.

"I'm delighted to win the game but I can play better and I'll take the win and move on to the quarter-finals. I can relax now and enjoy the rest of the competition."