Darts
2024 World Matchplay: James Wade Clinically Dispatches Ross Smith to Reach Semifinals
James Wade's clinical performance sees him beat Ross Smith 16-10 to advance to the semifinals.
Ross Smith, fresh off his stunning victory over Gerwyn price, face the seasoned veteran James Wade in the first quarterfinal at the 2024 World Matchplay.
Smudger Sets the Stage Alight
The next two legs saw the spoils shared once more, before Wade produced a brilliant 120 Shanghai finish to secure his first break of throw and level the game at 4-4.
In typical Wade fashion, he turned the match on its head, breaking Smith's throw again to take a 5-4 lead. He then followed up with a stunning 121 three-dart checkout, finished on the bull, extending his advantage to 6-4 as they headed into the second interval.
Wade Begins to Turn the Tide
In the next five legs, Smith ignited his comeback with a sensational 161 three-dart checkout. However, Wade remained unyielding. The Machine clinically held his throw throughout these legs, securing a commanding 15-10 lead, just one leg away from reaching the weekend's semifinals.
Well Oiled Machine
Smith continued to showcase his high scoring power, but Wade's superior finishing made the difference. After the next two legs were shared, Wade secured his third ton-plus finish of the match with a 101 checkout, extending his lead to 8-5.
A rare error on the double by Wade in the 15th leg allowed Smith to capitalise with a spectacular 107 finish of his own, reducing the deficit to 9-6 as they headed into the next interval.
Both players struggled with their doubles in the following legs, with the 17th and 18th legs both ending on double one, known as the madhouse, leaving Wade ahead 11-7.
Wade took another leg, but Smith responded with a brilliant 107 three-dart checkout, his second of the match, trying to claw back the deficit. However, it seemed to be too late, as Wade held a 12-8 lead heading into the final mini session.
Image credit: PDC
No Chance of a Comeback
In the next five legs, Smith ignited his comeback with a sensational 161 three-dart checkout. However, Wade remained unyielding. The Machine clinically held his throw throughout these legs, securing a commanding 15-10 lead, just one leg away from reaching the weekend's semifinals.
First Semi-finalist James Wade
Wade sealed the match with ease in the final leg, defeating Smudger 16-10 to reach the World Matchplay semifinals for the first time since his runner-up finish in 2015.
He will now sit back and watch the next quarterfinal between Luke Humphries and Dimitri Van den Bergh to see who his next opponent will be.
Stay tuned to SportsBoom.com for live updates, post-match reports, and interviews from the legendary Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Don't miss a moment of the action!
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