“He made it a fantastic game and he’s showing that’s the way he can play after not being on top form for about a year. He’s on his way back again.” “We were nicking legs from each other and a ton was a bad score in the end. I was thinking I might be going home tomorrow but I had to dig deep and take advantage when he made a mistake.” Justin Pipe produced quite possibly his best ever TV
had trailed 6-3 and 8-6 but some quality finishing, particularly lon double tops and double ten, saw him take a 13-9 victory. “I had to come back to beat John Part in the first round and this was always going to be another battle,” admitted Wade. “I did a good job tonight and I’m really happy to be through.” “I knew that if I held in there when Gary got ahead
performance as he ended the challenge of Raymond van Barneveld. The Taunton based thrower landed seven maximums and a 170 checkout on his way to a 13-9 victory. “It’s probably the best win of my career,” said Pipe. “Raymond’s such a legend and a great ambassador so it’s brilliant to beat him.” “When he got in front of me I had to play one leg at a time and stay focused. To win six legs in a row against Raymond is amazing because he’s so tough to beat.” “I’m in my second consecutive quarter finals in the World Matchplay and it’s an amazing achievement for me - but I want to go all the way.” James Wade had to come from behind to secure victory over Gary Anderson, the Aldershot based player
of me that I’d get my opportunities, and I took them well. My games keep getting harder and I’m looking forward to playing Simon on Thursday now; he’s a different player to Gary and I’ll have to improve.” Simon Whitlock progressed safely through to the quarter finals thanks to a 13-10 victory over Kevin Painter in a tight match. The match was close in the early stages, but with the encounter poised at 6-6 Whitlock found a burst of form as he moved on to secure victory, ending the match with an average of 93.82. “I’m over the moon,” said Whitlock. “That was such a tough game - Kevin’s a warrior who’s been around for so many years and he’s a legend.” “I’ve watched him play for the last 20 years and I’m very happy to win that match. There was a big moment in the 14th leg where Kevin missed and I levelled to go to seven-all, and I knew that was my chance.” Michael van Gerwen too progressed safely through to the quarters. He posted an impressive 105.58 average on his way to a 13-3 victory in a match whose scoreline did not perhaps reflect how close it was. Wright posted four maximums and was in a number of legs, but missed shots at double ultimately cost him as van Gerwen handed out a heavy defeat to the Scotsman.