What a moment in the career and the life of James Wade!
A 7th Major ‘TV’ title, as he edged a terrific all Unicorn final 11-8 against Wes Newton.
And coming just two weeks after he bravely talked for the first time about the mental health problems that have plagued him of late, this triumph must go down as an extra special moment for Wade.
In the end, experience of the big occasion won the day, as Wes Newton ran out of steam in his 1st ever ‘Major’ TV Final.
Wade is a rare talent and he proved it once again……to win this title after all the trials and tribulations he has suffered is a sign of real courage and ability – and remember, he has won it from playing in the 1st Round on Thursday night!
It’s now two UK Open titles to add to a World Matchplay crown, a Premier League triumph, two World Grand Prix titles and Championship League Darts last October.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Wade said. “Everyone knows about my period in The Priory and my health issues but I am in a good place now and a lot happier in my life.”
He added: “I would like to thank Unicorn and all my sponsors for standing by me. It has been a difficult time but I have come out the other side…..and a special thanks to my manager and best friend Jason Thame, who has been by my side every step of the way.”
The win also takes Wade back to No.3 in the world rankings, above Gary Anderson, who drops to 4th in the PDC Order of Merit.
For Newton – a landmark moment – and remember, two years ago he was languishing at 36th in the world rankings and thinking of quitting the sport altogether….it will be the first of many finals for the young man from Fleetwood.
“Considering where I was two years ago, this is a great achievement. I am about to become a Dad in two weeks and I have got a lot to be happy about,” said Newton.
The final was a topsy-turvy affair, before Wade took charge to claim the crown and the £40,000 winner’s cheque.
In the early stages, Wade missed double after double and at four legs apiece, he had already missed 13 darts! Newton continued to punish ‘The Machine’ and he nailed a 120 finish to go ahead for the first time.
When Newton led 6-4, he must have thought it was going to be his night, but he missed ‘tops’ for a 116 finish and a 7-4 advantage and it was a huge turning point in the final.
Wade won three straight legs to reclaim the lead and although Newton levelled again at 7-7, a run of three more legs took Wade to the brink.
He actually missed ‘tops’ for a 101 check-out and the title and Newton pulled it back to 10-8….but there was no mistake in the next….a 5th 180 and his favourite ‘tops’ and it was job done!
Three brilliant performances on the day to beat Paul Nicholson, Mark Webster and then Newton at the Reebok……
In the semi-finals, Wade looked beaten as he trailed Webster 7-3, and the Welshman actually missed the bull for a 164 finish to make it 8-3…..it was a brilliant comeback from the Unicorn man – full of courage.
Webster also missed the bull for a 90 check-out to win the match 9-7 and Wade snatched the win in the deciding leg with a fantastic 11 dart leg, having hit finishes of 120 and 61 to level the game.
Newton stormed back from 2-5 down to beat Denis Ovens…..he won eight legs out of nine, including a sensational 170 check-out to book his place in his first ever ‘Major’ PDC Final.
The final word must go the 2011 UK Open Champion: “Life is pretty good and this makes it pretty special!”
A darting genius and with those seven ‘Major’ titles, the second most successful player in PDC history…..
Semi-Final results:
James Wade 10-9 Mark Webster
Wes Newton 10-6 Denis Ovens
Losers - £10,000
Final:
James Wade 11-8 Wes Newton
Winner - £40,000
Runner-up - £20,000
By STUART PYKE at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton
Photos courtesy Chris Sargeant
Image Gallery
Newton with runner's up trophy