JAMES WADE edged out Raymond van Barneveld in a deciding leg battle to win a semi-final spot at the coral.co.uk Players Championship.
Wade has overtaken the Dutchman as world number two this year, and extended his psychological advantage in an intriguing contest.
Wade exploded out of the blocks, kicking off the match with back-to-back 180s before seeing a potential nine-darter go beginning, although he did take the first leg in 11.
Three missed doubles from the Dutchman were punished by double top as he doubled his lead and then went 3-0 up on double ten.
Wade then put himself in line for a £2,000 bonus with a sensational 167 checkout, the highest yet so far in the tournament, in going 4-0 up before van Barneveld got off the mark in the fifth.
The Dutchman's ploy of slowing down the keen left-hander worked as he took two further breaks of throw in a run of five successive legs as he took a 5-4 lead.
Wade hit back on double 12 to level and then went 7-5 up with a 106 checkout, finishing on double 13.
Van Barneveld hit the same bed to break back before defying a maximum from Wade to square the contest again.
Wade landed another 180 and double five in taking an 8-7 cushion, before an 11-darter from van Barneveld kept the game alive and ensured a decider.
Both players saw the high scoring which had littered most of the contest desert them as the tension rose, but it was Wade who took out double five to book his semi-final place against Robert Thornton.
"I think I got away with it!" said Wade. "I made the most of my chances and showed plenty of will to win.
"I'm having some close games but I'm winning and can look forward to the semis now."
Saturday 31 January 2009
Hampshire players contest Ryde Open Final
RYDE’S Town Club had all the atmosphere of a top tournament on Saturday when more than 70 darts players stepped up to the oche for the first-ever Town Club Open Darts Tournament.Men and women from the Island and mainland descended on the club, with more than 100 spectators cheering them on.After dozens of games and plenty of drama, the final of the main competition was between two Portsmouth-based players, Andy Jenkins and Ricky Williams.The two players could barely be separated as the match went to the full nine legs, Andy triumphing 5-4 overall.
Wade pips Painter and moves into the last eight at the Circus Tavern
JAMES WADE edged a final leg thriller to end Kevin Painter's hopes at the coral.co.uk Players Championship.
There was nothing to separate the duo in a tight contest which went all the way to the wire - with Painter missing the bullseye in the decider before Wade set up a quarter-final with Raymond van Barneveld.
Wade hit a maximum in the opening leg of the game, but it was Painter who took the lead on double top.
Wade soon levelled with a 15-dart finish, before Painter converted a two-dart 80 checkout to win the third leg in 14 darts.
Wade won the fourth but missed five opportunities to break Painter's throw in the next and the Daventry-based player managed to hold by landing double four with his third dart.
Wade squared the game in the sixth with a 14-darter, but Painter won the next leg to lead 4-3, before the world number two levelled again.
A 13-darter put Painter a leg away from the match, but double top from Wade ensured a deciding 11th leg.
Painter had the throw in the final leg, and despite a slow start was first to the double - only to miss the bull for a 121 finish before Wade pinned double four.
There was nothing to separate the duo in a tight contest which went all the way to the wire - with Painter missing the bullseye in the decider before Wade set up a quarter-final with Raymond van Barneveld.
Wade hit a maximum in the opening leg of the game, but it was Painter who took the lead on double top.
Wade soon levelled with a 15-dart finish, before Painter converted a two-dart 80 checkout to win the third leg in 14 darts.
Wade won the fourth but missed five opportunities to break Painter's throw in the next and the Daventry-based player managed to hold by landing double four with his third dart.
Wade squared the game in the sixth with a 14-darter, but Painter won the next leg to lead 4-3, before the world number two levelled again.
A 13-darter put Painter a leg away from the match, but double top from Wade ensured a deciding 11th leg.
Painter had the throw in the final leg, and despite a slow start was first to the double - only to miss the bull for a 121 finish before Wade pinned double four.
Friday 30 January 2009
Jenkins runs van Barneveld close at the Circus Tavern
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD held off the challenge of Andy Jenkins with a 6-4 first round win in the coral.co.uk Players Championship.
Van Barneveld, seeded tenth for the event after what was by his standards a disappointing season in Players Championships last year, will now take on Andy Smith in the last 16.
The Dutch ace had not played since reaching the World Championship final, but continued the form he showed at Alexandra Palace to progress.
Jenkins opened up an early lead by converting an 80 finish after the Dutchman missed two darts at double 16 to break.
Van Barneveld, returning to the scene of his 2007 World Championship triumph, took the second leg to level and then took the lead in the next, which included six perfect darts with back-to-back 180s.
Jenkins levelled the game again at 2-2 with a three-dart 84 finish, but van Barneveld regained the lead with an 81 checkout to break his opponent's throw for the second time in the match.
The world number three had a dart at double eight to go 4-2 ahead after the break, but was off-target and Jenkins squared the game once again on the same bed.
Van Barneveld broke throw once again to move 4-3 ahead, and then won the eighth leg to go one leg away from the winning line.
Jenkins kept the game alive in the next by landing double three with his last dart, but a missed bullseye to ensure a decider proved costly as van Barneveld hit double ten to record victory.
"I've known Andy for years and know what he can do and it was a strange game which I'm very happy to win," said van Barneveld.
"I'm still undefeated at the Circus Tavern, which is great, but Andy Smith played really well in the first round and I look forward to playing him on Saturday."
Van Barneveld, seeded tenth for the event after what was by his standards a disappointing season in Players Championships last year, will now take on Andy Smith in the last 16.
The Dutch ace had not played since reaching the World Championship final, but continued the form he showed at Alexandra Palace to progress.
Jenkins opened up an early lead by converting an 80 finish after the Dutchman missed two darts at double 16 to break.
Van Barneveld, returning to the scene of his 2007 World Championship triumph, took the second leg to level and then took the lead in the next, which included six perfect darts with back-to-back 180s.
Jenkins levelled the game again at 2-2 with a three-dart 84 finish, but van Barneveld regained the lead with an 81 checkout to break his opponent's throw for the second time in the match.
The world number three had a dart at double eight to go 4-2 ahead after the break, but was off-target and Jenkins squared the game once again on the same bed.
Van Barneveld broke throw once again to move 4-3 ahead, and then won the eighth leg to go one leg away from the winning line.
Jenkins kept the game alive in the next by landing double three with his last dart, but a missed bullseye to ensure a decider proved costly as van Barneveld hit double ten to record victory.
"I've known Andy for years and know what he can do and it was a strange game which I'm very happy to win," said van Barneveld.
"I'm still undefeated at the Circus Tavern, which is great, but Andy Smith played really well in the first round and I look forward to playing him on Saturday."
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.
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.
Thursday 29 January 2009
Jenkins and Wade on ITV4 again
THE inaugural coral.co.uk Players Championship finals takes place from Friday 30 January to Sunday 1 February at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet.
The famous venue will see the top 32 players from the 2008 PDC Pro Tour battling for £200,000 and every match will be shown live on ITV4.
Both Hampshiremen have prime time slots on Friday evening with James Wade due to take the stage against former World Champion Steve Beaton at around 8.00 p.m.
Andy Jenkins takes on another former World Champion Raymond van Barneveld at around 9.45 p.m.
The Second Round and Quarter Final matches will be played on Saturday with the Semi Finals and Final on Sunday.
Phil Taylor, who won eleven of his fourteen world titles at the Circus Tavern is clear favourite to take the £50,000 top prize.
The famous venue will see the top 32 players from the 2008 PDC Pro Tour battling for £200,000 and every match will be shown live on ITV4.
Both Hampshiremen have prime time slots on Friday evening with James Wade due to take the stage against former World Champion Steve Beaton at around 8.00 p.m.
Andy Jenkins takes on another former World Champion Raymond van Barneveld at around 9.45 p.m.
The Second Round and Quarter Final matches will be played on Saturday with the Semi Finals and Final on Sunday.
Phil Taylor, who won eleven of his fourteen world titles at the Circus Tavern is clear favourite to take the £50,000 top prize.
Sunday 18 January 2009
StanJames.com Gibraltar Players Championship
ANDY JENKINS made it to the quarter finals at the Victoria Stadium in the second PDC Pro Tour event of the weekend in Gibraltar.
Wins over Ben Burton, Alvaro Gonzales, Colin Monk and Wayne Jones saw him collect £800 before bowing out to former World Champion Steve Beaton.
Monk added £300 to his Order of Merit after beating James Wade who had to make do with £200.
Phil Taylor won a second event of the weekend beating Mark Dudbridge by 6-1 and banking £6,000.
Wins over Ben Burton, Alvaro Gonzales, Colin Monk and Wayne Jones saw him collect £800 before bowing out to former World Champion Steve Beaton.
Monk added £300 to his Order of Merit after beating James Wade who had to make do with £200.
Phil Taylor won a second event of the weekend beating Mark Dudbridge by 6-1 and banking £6,000.
Saturday 17 January 2009
Eddie Cox Memorial Players Championship
JAMES WADE fared best of the Hampshiremen in the opening event of the weekend as the PDC Pro Tour travelled to Gibraltar.
Wade lost 6-4 to Robert Thornton in the last sixteen and picked up £400.
Andy Jenkins, Colin Monk and Robbie Newland all won £200 for last 64 defeats.
Jenkins lost 6-4 to Robert Watson-Lang, Monk was beaten 6-2 by Wayne Jones and Newland went down by the same score to Lionel Sams.
Phil Taylor beat Alan Tsbern 6-2 in the final to take the top prize of £6,000.
Mark Walsh had a 9 darter and pocketed a £1,600 bonus.
Wade lost 6-4 to Robert Thornton in the last sixteen and picked up £400.
Andy Jenkins, Colin Monk and Robbie Newland all won £200 for last 64 defeats.
Jenkins lost 6-4 to Robert Watson-Lang, Monk was beaten 6-2 by Wayne Jones and Newland went down by the same score to Lionel Sams.
Phil Taylor beat Alan Tsbern 6-2 in the final to take the top prize of £6,000.
Mark Walsh had a 9 darter and pocketed a £1,600 bonus.
Sunday 11 January 2009
Blue Square UK Open North East Regional Final
ANDY JENKINS reached the quarter-final of the first of eight regional UK Open finals at the Doncaster Dome winning £800.
He beat Steve Cupitt, Stephen Hardy, Dennis Priestley and Steve Evans before Kevin Painter ended his hopes 6-5.
Colin Monk was edged out 6-5 by Andy Smith in the last 64 after a win over Jon Archer and collected £200.
Colin Lloyd won the event with a 6-1 win over Colin Osborne in the final to take the top prize of £6,000 from the £30,000 on offer.
He beat Steve Cupitt, Stephen Hardy, Dennis Priestley and Steve Evans before Kevin Painter ended his hopes 6-5.
Colin Monk was edged out 6-5 by Andy Smith in the last 64 after a win over Jon Archer and collected £200.
Colin Lloyd won the event with a 6-1 win over Colin Osborne in the final to take the top prize of £6,000 from the £30,000 on offer.
Saturday 10 January 2009
Bobby Bourn Memorial Players Championship
ANDY JENKINS reached the last 16 of the first PDC Pro Tour event of 2009 at the Doncaster Dome before being edged out 6-5 by US-based John Kuczynski.
Cosham-based Jenkins recorded wins over Chris Cooper, Peter Wright and Dennis Priestley and picked up £400 towards his Order of Merit earnings.
Steve Musson, Arron Monk and Ian Jopling each reached the last 32 winning £300 apiece.
Musson had good wins over Lee Palfreyman and David Fatum before running into top Scot Robert Thornton who won 6-1.
Monk beat Michael van Gerwen, Tony Ayres and Ken Dobson before losing 6-3 to Peter Manley.
Jopling had victories over Lee Williams and Dave Askew before falling 6-4 to Andy Hamilton.
Terry Jenkins beat Mark Dudbridge 6-3 in the final of the £30,000 event.
Cosham-based Jenkins recorded wins over Chris Cooper, Peter Wright and Dennis Priestley and picked up £400 towards his Order of Merit earnings.
Steve Musson, Arron Monk and Ian Jopling each reached the last 32 winning £300 apiece.
Musson had good wins over Lee Palfreyman and David Fatum before running into top Scot Robert Thornton who won 6-1.
Monk beat Michael van Gerwen, Tony Ayres and Ken Dobson before losing 6-3 to Peter Manley.
Jopling had victories over Lee Williams and Dave Askew before falling 6-4 to Andy Hamilton.
Terry Jenkins beat Mark Dudbridge 6-3 in the final of the £30,000 event.
Thursday 8 January 2009
PDC Awards delight for Wade
JAMES WADE was honoured at the annual PDC Awards at the Dorchester Hotel yesterday evening.
The 25-year-old whose rise to world number two included victory in the Blue Square UK Open, appearances in major finals in the Premier League, Desert Classic and World Matchplay and a nine-darter in the Grand Slam of Darts, was named as the Young Player of the Year.
Wade's outstanding display to defeat Wayne Mardle 17-5 in the World Matchplay semi-finals was named as the PDC Televised Performance of the Year.
"It's an honour to win two awards but I still have improvement to make," said Wade. "I fell short to Phil Taylor in three major finals and he's the benchmark for me in 2009."
The televised nine-darter also earned him a gold pin badge.
Highlights of the PDC Awards are on Sky Sports 2 at 6.30 p.m. on Friday.
The 25-year-old whose rise to world number two included victory in the Blue Square UK Open, appearances in major finals in the Premier League, Desert Classic and World Matchplay and a nine-darter in the Grand Slam of Darts, was named as the Young Player of the Year.
Wade's outstanding display to defeat Wayne Mardle 17-5 in the World Matchplay semi-finals was named as the PDC Televised Performance of the Year.
"It's an honour to win two awards but I still have improvement to make," said Wade. "I fell short to Phil Taylor in three major finals and he's the benchmark for me in 2009."
The televised nine-darter also earned him a gold pin badge.
Highlights of the PDC Awards are on Sky Sports 2 at 6.30 p.m. on Friday.
BICC Hampshire v Oxfordshire Match Report
The fourth match of the Inter-County season saw Hampshire make the short trip to Oxfordshire with high hopes of securing a win. Unfortunately it was not to be, and what ensued was a tight match right until the final game. With no disrespect to Oxfordshire, who have a good squad, it did seem to be a bad day at the office for many of the Hampshire players who were left more than a little frustrated, and it was certainly not the weekend to study the averages. With that said, however, the match wasn’t without its highlights.
The Ladies B managed a 3-3 draw, with Jane Monaghan (16.39) and Mandy Keith (14.96) securing wins. The match award, however, deservedly belonged to 15-year-old Gemma Hayter who was making her debut for the senior side. Gemma overcame her pre-game nerves to win 3-1 with a 20.31 average, proving the old adage that if you are good enough, you are old enough.
The Men’s B got off to a good start with wins from Dave Bonnett (22.18) and Mark Thorne (24.69). Kev Murrell was then unfortunate to lose the next match from 2 nil up, with his opponent taking out a 116 and 152 finish. Other wins for the team came courtesy of Troy Butler (20.25), Ricky Williams (21.84) and Man of the Match Steve Musson (25.47) Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 7- 5 defeat.
Despite the 10-8 score line overnight, Hampshire were confident that their A sides could turn things around on the Sunday. The Ladies A especially are more than a match for any team, and proved so once again with Elaine Harty (18.11), Steph Smee (18.58), Wendy Reinstadtler (18.56), Maria Aggozino (17.48) and match award winner Sue Smee (20.88) all winning their games to give the team a 5-1 victory for the second match in a row. That result deservedly keeps them at the top of the Ladies A table.
The Men’s A had a far tougher time, and went down 7-5 to their opponents. Rick Lowther won the first game of the day and took the match award with a 26.66 average, followed with wins from Dennis Murrell (24.73), Mark Smith (24.97) and Danny Ballard (23.53). With the score standing at 17-17 and two games left to play, Colin Philpott stepped up to the board and hit the most important 19.61 average I think he will ever hit, as he won 3-2 and at least secured a draw for the team. With the normally dependable Roy Brown unable to win the last game of an exceedingly long weekend, Hampshire settled for a share of the points. The result leaves them a respectable 5th in the Premier table. Hampshire’s next match will be home to Kent at Hill Park Memorial WMC in Fareham on 17th/18th January.
Hampshire had six players make the long drive to Bridlington for the World Professional Darts Playoffs, in the hope of making the finals. Steph Smee was hoping to repeat last year’s performance and was joined by Wendy Reinstadtler and Maria Aggozzino. Unfortunately for Maria, her trip ended in defeat at the hands of Steph in the last 64, who was in turn unlucky to lose 3-2 in the last 16 to WDF number one, Irina Armstrong. Wendy also put in a good performance, losing out in the last 32. Not to be outdone by the ladies, Paul Gibbs, Roy Brown and Dave Harper also won their fair share of games, with Dave reaching the last 16 of the group stages and Paul the group semi-final. Wendy, Steph and Paul were also involved in the Winmau Masters group stages. Steph reached the last 128, Wendy the last 64 and Paul was unlucky to lose out in the last 16.
Congratulations to Arron Monk on winning the inaugural Kids on the Oche tournament, and picking up the prize of a years sponsorship on the PDC circuit. Arron was handpicked along with Jamie Kelling and Ricky Williams to take part, and all gave a great account of themselves. Andover Youth Academy must have been particularly proud to see Jamie and Arron on the stage, and it is testament to the hard work that Glen Dawkins, Colin Pimm and others all put in each week. Wendy Truran is no doubt also a very proud ‘Mum’ at the moment, seeing the likes of Ricky, Arron and Gemma progress from Hampshire Youth.
A couple of other results from around and about. A trip to the Northern Ireland Open saw Roy Brown reach the last 32 and Wendy Reinstadtler and Gill Brown were unlucky not to make the last four of the Ladies Pairs. Danny Pinhorne overcame Danny Smith 6-4 in the final of the Curlew Open. Danny also lost the Pairs final with partner Bob Crawley, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Ricky Williams and Jason Crawley.
Alex Brindley
Sunday 4 January 2009
Wade moves up to second in the PDC Order of Merit
DESPITE defeat in last night's Ladbrokes.com World Championship, James Wade has overtaken tonight's beaten finalist Raymond van Barneveld in second place, his highest position ever.
The top three in the PDC Order of Merit based on a two year cycle of ranking event prize money are as follows. Newly crowned Ladbrokes.com World Champion Phil Taylor has broken the half million pound barrier.
1. Phil Taylor £510,658
2. JAMES WADE £310,129
3. Raymond van Barneveld £267,800
The top three in the PDC Order of Merit based on a two year cycle of ranking event prize money are as follows. Newly crowned Ladbrokes.com World Champion Phil Taylor has broken the half million pound barrier.
1. Phil Taylor £510,658
2. JAMES WADE £310,129
3. Raymond van Barneveld £267,800
Saturday 3 January 2009
Wade out of the Ladbrokes.com World Championship
RAYMOND VAN BARNEVELD defeated James Wade 6-4 to reach his second Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship final in three years at Alexandra Palace.
Wade put in his best performance of the tournament so far and should have led the match 3-1.
But he wasted opportunities to take the fourth set and that proved to be a decisive moment as van Barneveld went on to be victorious and will now play either Phil Taylor or Mervyn King.
Wade made a superb start to the match, hitting a maximum with his first three darts, and going on to break throw with a 13-dart finish.
van Barneveld immediately hit-back with a 121 checkout, but the Englishman won the third leg against the dart by landing double top.
But van Barneveld produced superb darts to win the next two legs. He won the fourth leg with an 11-dart finish, and won the fifth with a two dart 64 finish to take an early lead.
Wade won the opening leg of the second set, before hitting a fabulous 11 darter to go 2-0 ahead in the set.
Both players hit maximums in the third leg, but it was Wade who hit double top to square the game at 1-1.
van Barneveld opened up a 1-0 lead in set three before Wade hit back-to-back maximums in a 12-dart finish to take the second leg.
The world number three then went on to win the next two legs, landing double ten on both occasions to win the set and go ahead for the first time in the match.
van Barneveld broke throw with a clinical two dart 93 finish at the start of the fourth set, but missed a dart at double sixteen to double his advantage and Wade stepped in to win the second leg.
Wade went 2-1 ahead with a 14-dart finish before van Barneveld hit his sixth maximum of the match in the fourth leg and went on to win by landing double eight.
In the deciding leg Wade missed four darts to win the set and go 3-1 ahead - busting his score on two occasions. Those mistakes proved costly as van Barneveld hit double nine to level the game once again.
Wade won the opening leg of the fifth set before the Dutchman hit two 14-dart finishes in succession to take a 2-1 lead.
But van Barneveld missed two darts at double 18 to win the set in the fourth leg and Wade won that and then broke his opponent's throw with an excellent 15-dart finish to lead for the second time in the game at 3-2.
The opening two legs of the sixth set where shared before van Barneveld broke throw in the third leg with an excellent 112 checkout, despite Wade hitting his thirteenth maximum.
The Dutchman then hit double 18 in the fourth leg to win the set and square the game at three apiece.
van Barneveld then won the seventh set in quick time, taking it three legs to nil and go ahead for the first time since the opening set.
He broke in the second leg, hitting double 16 to go 2-0 ahead and then wrapped up the set with a 92 finish, hitting double 16 once again to win the set.
After conceding the previous six legs the Englishman managed to win the opening leg of the eighth set after van Barneveld was off-target with a dart at double top.
Wade then broke the Dutchman's throw with an 82 finish in the second leg, and followed that up with by hitting double eight in the next to win the set and level the game at 4-4.
But van Barneveld went on to take the ninth set to go within touching distance of victory.
He hit a 15-dart finish in the second leg to go 2-0 ahead, and then landed double 16 in
third to win the set without reply from his opponent.
At the start of the tenth set van Barneveld broke Wade's throw to hold the advantage, before winning the second leg with a fantastic 128 checkout, with Wade waiting on a two-dart finish.
That took van Barneveld one leg away from victory and he wrapped up the match in the next with a 100 finish to book his place in the final.
Wade put in his best performance of the tournament so far and should have led the match 3-1.
But he wasted opportunities to take the fourth set and that proved to be a decisive moment as van Barneveld went on to be victorious and will now play either Phil Taylor or Mervyn King.
Wade made a superb start to the match, hitting a maximum with his first three darts, and going on to break throw with a 13-dart finish.
van Barneveld immediately hit-back with a 121 checkout, but the Englishman won the third leg against the dart by landing double top.
But van Barneveld produced superb darts to win the next two legs. He won the fourth leg with an 11-dart finish, and won the fifth with a two dart 64 finish to take an early lead.
Wade won the opening leg of the second set, before hitting a fabulous 11 darter to go 2-0 ahead in the set.
Both players hit maximums in the third leg, but it was Wade who hit double top to square the game at 1-1.
van Barneveld opened up a 1-0 lead in set three before Wade hit back-to-back maximums in a 12-dart finish to take the second leg.
The world number three then went on to win the next two legs, landing double ten on both occasions to win the set and go ahead for the first time in the match.
van Barneveld broke throw with a clinical two dart 93 finish at the start of the fourth set, but missed a dart at double sixteen to double his advantage and Wade stepped in to win the second leg.
Wade went 2-1 ahead with a 14-dart finish before van Barneveld hit his sixth maximum of the match in the fourth leg and went on to win by landing double eight.
In the deciding leg Wade missed four darts to win the set and go 3-1 ahead - busting his score on two occasions. Those mistakes proved costly as van Barneveld hit double nine to level the game once again.
Wade won the opening leg of the fifth set before the Dutchman hit two 14-dart finishes in succession to take a 2-1 lead.
But van Barneveld missed two darts at double 18 to win the set in the fourth leg and Wade won that and then broke his opponent's throw with an excellent 15-dart finish to lead for the second time in the game at 3-2.
The opening two legs of the sixth set where shared before van Barneveld broke throw in the third leg with an excellent 112 checkout, despite Wade hitting his thirteenth maximum.
The Dutchman then hit double 18 in the fourth leg to win the set and square the game at three apiece.
van Barneveld then won the seventh set in quick time, taking it three legs to nil and go ahead for the first time since the opening set.
He broke in the second leg, hitting double 16 to go 2-0 ahead and then wrapped up the set with a 92 finish, hitting double 16 once again to win the set.
After conceding the previous six legs the Englishman managed to win the opening leg of the eighth set after van Barneveld was off-target with a dart at double top.
Wade then broke the Dutchman's throw with an 82 finish in the second leg, and followed that up with by hitting double eight in the next to win the set and level the game at 4-4.
But van Barneveld went on to take the ninth set to go within touching distance of victory.
He hit a 15-dart finish in the second leg to go 2-0 ahead, and then landed double 16 in
third to win the set without reply from his opponent.
At the start of the tenth set van Barneveld broke Wade's throw to hold the advantage, before winning the second leg with a fantastic 128 checkout, with Wade waiting on a two-dart finish.
That took van Barneveld one leg away from victory and he wrapped up the match in the next with a 100 finish to book his place in the final.
Friday 2 January 2009
James Wade into last four at Alexandra Palace
JAMES WADE reached his first ever Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship semi-final with a 5-3 victory over Paul Nicholson.
The world number three was again below-par, but edged a nervy affair to book his place in the last four on Saturday.
Wade saw a 3-1 lead slip away against newcomer Nicholson, but took six of the final seven legs in a strong finish to secure victory.
Nicholson, who had knocked out Dennis Priestley and Adrian Lewis in reaching the quarters - had his opportunities to win the three of the opening four sets, and those errors eventually proved costly.
The opening three legs of the match where held with throw, giving Wade a 2-1 advantage.
He then missed a dart for the set in the fourth leg, allowing Nicholson to level as he landed double top.
In the deciding leg both players missed opportunities to win the set, and it was Wade who landed double ten to take an early lead.
Nicholson hit his first maximum of the game to win the first leg of the second set, but he then missed three darts at doubles to break his opponent's throw in the second leg and Wade managed to hold.
Wade missed two darts of his own to break throw in the third leg, allowing Nicholson to lead again.
But the world number three hit a two-dart 66 finish to level the set at 2-2.
In the deciding leg the British-born Australian suffered the same fate as the first, missing five darts for the set as Wade capitalised to double his lead.
Nicholson secured his first break of throw at the start of the third set, but Wade hit back immediately to win the second leg before missing six darts to win the third.
Nicholson went on to take the fourth leg, and the set, on double five before defying a maximum from Wade to lead in set four.
Wade hit a superb 135 finish to take the second leg, before Nicholson won the third, hitting his third maximum in the process.
The UK Open Champion then managed to hold throw in the fourth leg, and then won the decider after Nicholson missed five chances to win the set.
Nicholson won the first leg of the fifth set with a 60 finish, and then broke throw to lead 2-0 after missed a couple of darts to win it.
Nicholson then wrapped up the set in the third leg, before continuing the winning run of legs in the sixth set.
He broke with a 50 finish in the second leg to lead 2-0 after Wade was off-target with five attempts at doubles and then hit double 14 to square the match after extending his run to six successive legs.
Wade stopped the rot in the set seven, hitting back with three successive legs to move 4-3 up, landing a 65 finish to secure the first leg, hitting back-to-back maximums in the second and a 64 finish in the third.
Wade started the eighth set a fine 116 checkout, before landing double top in the second leg to go one leg away from victory.
Nicholson took the third to keep the match going, but Wade landed his seventh maximum in the next, which proved decisive when he landed double two for the win.
"I'm obviously pleased to get through but it was a poor performance, much below the standard I set myself," said Wade.
"I don't know what went wrong, because I felt fine before the game, but I've got 24 hours to put it right."
Nicholson admitted: "Neither of us played to our best and it was one of those days.
"I felt great in my preparation but maybe a long game like that was too much of a step for me. I didn't have much energy in the tank and maybe I was trying too hard.
"But I'll learn from this. The longer format on the game stage was foreign for me but I can use this experience.
"I'll kick myself when I wake up tomorrow but I'll also look ahead and come back stronger."
The world number three was again below-par, but edged a nervy affair to book his place in the last four on Saturday.
Wade saw a 3-1 lead slip away against newcomer Nicholson, but took six of the final seven legs in a strong finish to secure victory.
Nicholson, who had knocked out Dennis Priestley and Adrian Lewis in reaching the quarters - had his opportunities to win the three of the opening four sets, and those errors eventually proved costly.
The opening three legs of the match where held with throw, giving Wade a 2-1 advantage.
He then missed a dart for the set in the fourth leg, allowing Nicholson to level as he landed double top.
In the deciding leg both players missed opportunities to win the set, and it was Wade who landed double ten to take an early lead.
Nicholson hit his first maximum of the game to win the first leg of the second set, but he then missed three darts at doubles to break his opponent's throw in the second leg and Wade managed to hold.
Wade missed two darts of his own to break throw in the third leg, allowing Nicholson to lead again.
But the world number three hit a two-dart 66 finish to level the set at 2-2.
In the deciding leg the British-born Australian suffered the same fate as the first, missing five darts for the set as Wade capitalised to double his lead.
Nicholson secured his first break of throw at the start of the third set, but Wade hit back immediately to win the second leg before missing six darts to win the third.
Nicholson went on to take the fourth leg, and the set, on double five before defying a maximum from Wade to lead in set four.
Wade hit a superb 135 finish to take the second leg, before Nicholson won the third, hitting his third maximum in the process.
The UK Open Champion then managed to hold throw in the fourth leg, and then won the decider after Nicholson missed five chances to win the set.
Nicholson won the first leg of the fifth set with a 60 finish, and then broke throw to lead 2-0 after missed a couple of darts to win it.
Nicholson then wrapped up the set in the third leg, before continuing the winning run of legs in the sixth set.
He broke with a 50 finish in the second leg to lead 2-0 after Wade was off-target with five attempts at doubles and then hit double 14 to square the match after extending his run to six successive legs.
Wade stopped the rot in the set seven, hitting back with three successive legs to move 4-3 up, landing a 65 finish to secure the first leg, hitting back-to-back maximums in the second and a 64 finish in the third.
Wade started the eighth set a fine 116 checkout, before landing double top in the second leg to go one leg away from victory.
Nicholson took the third to keep the match going, but Wade landed his seventh maximum in the next, which proved decisive when he landed double two for the win.
"I'm obviously pleased to get through but it was a poor performance, much below the standard I set myself," said Wade.
"I don't know what went wrong, because I felt fine before the game, but I've got 24 hours to put it right."
Nicholson admitted: "Neither of us played to our best and it was one of those days.
"I felt great in my preparation but maybe a long game like that was too much of a step for me. I didn't have much energy in the tank and maybe I was trying too hard.
"But I'll learn from this. The longer format on the game stage was foreign for me but I can use this experience.
"I'll kick myself when I wake up tomorrow but I'll also look ahead and come back stronger."
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