RONNIE BAXTER scrambled a draw against James Wade to share the spoils for the second time this season with the defending Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts champion.
The play-off chasing pair battled it out in an entertaining contest which swung both ways as Baxter led 4-2 before Wade won five legs out of six to earn a point - only to then miss five match darts in the decider.
The early stages were dominated by missed doubles, with the first four legs going against the throw, Baxter taking out 110 in the second but winning the fourth on double one to show the inconsistency of the pair's start.
Wade had landed double two and tops to take his first two legs, but missed another chance to break in the fifth as Baxter penalised two misses to take out double top, and then hit the same bed for a 4-2 lead at the break.
Wade hit a 180 after the restart, and powered home a fine 121 finish for a 12-darter after Baxter had missed double 18.
The reigning champion levelled in the next, thanks to another 180 in a 14-darter, before punishing eight missed doubles from Baxter in the next to regain the lead.
Double top put Wade 6-4 up before Baxter won his first leg in five, hitting a 96 finish of single 20, double 18 and double top.
Wade finished 101 in the 12th leg to lead 7-5 and ensure a minimum of a point, but was denied a shot at victory in the next as Baxter hit a 180 and a third-dart double two to force a decider.
The Lancastrian trailed as Wade set up victory, only to miss a total of five darts at double ten, five and two to claim both points and allow him back on 96, which he despatched in two darts for the draw.
"We both missed a lot of doubles in the early legs but I was disappointed that I went 4-2 up and didn't kick on from that," said Baxter.
"James let me in at the end and I took my chance. I'm happy with with a draw and it could prove to be a crucial point."
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