UK Darts Issue 16 - July 2014 | 页面 17

punishing a missed bullseye from Whitlock in the next to remain on course for his second European Tour win inside 12 months. James Wade joined Beaton in the final with a 6-2 win over Michael Smith, ending the former World Youth Champion’s great weekend at the last four stage. Photo: Carlsten Aarlt/PDC Europe Wade took an early 2-0 lead before Smith hit back to win two of the next three legs and reduce the gap to 3-2, but the left-hander scored 180, 140 and 140 as he restored his two-leg lead before clinically sealing victory with legs of 14 and 13 darts. Final After the two players shared the opening two legs, Beaton took out 99 in the third, hit a 13-darter to break and then finished tops for a 4-1 cushion. Wade, though, hit back on tops before breaking throw with a brilliant 11-dart finish, which featured two 180s, before levelling the game in leg eight by punishing missed doubles from Beaton with a 76 finish. He then moved ahead for the first time in a pivotal ninth leg, opening with a 180 and finishing double ten as Beaton - who hit a 177 in reply missed double 11 for a 142 finish. Wade’s momentum continued with a 140 and two tons in the next leg as he was first to a finish, with double ten helping him secure glory. “I’ve won so many tournaments but it got to a point where I thought I wasn’t going to win another one, and this means more to me than any TV tournament I’ve ever won,” said Wade, who moves up to fifth in the PDC Order of Merit. “I wasn’t quite sure if I could do it. Even though people said I could win more titles, it’s different actually doing it so I’m really happy. “I grew up watching Steve and other great players, and he said afterwards that he was pleased to see me winning again, which is a mark of the man. “I really enjoyed this weekend and at 4-1 down in the final I just wanted to relax and make a game of it. “I’m still a long way from my best but I never give up and I’ve shown a lot of desperation. I’ve got no fear of hitting the winning double but it’s getting to it that’s the hard bit!” “Fair play to James,” said Beaton. “He’s had a tough year or two but that’s why he’s up at the top of the game and such a good player. “I had some chances and didn’t take them, and James was the better man in the final.” “I’ve won so many tournaments but it got to a point where I thought I wasn’t going to win another one, and this means more to me than any TV tournament I’ve ever won” James Wade