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