Smith dumps out Wade and Aspinall continues landmark run

Smith has threatened to go on a run for some time but has done the business against one of the favourites for the title. His win ensures that with Wade now out of the tournament that there will be a new name on the title on Sunday evening. Smith started brilliantly and put the Aldershot ace into real bother by going 7-3 up. He hit seven out of thirteen darts on the doubles to beat him at his own game. Despite that though, Wade showed resolve to go 8-7 behind winning four straight legs. ‘Smudger’ had one more burst though and surged for the line as his under the radar run has produced potentially career changing results. Aspinall himself had to have massive resolve with the Stockport ace coming from 7-3 down to see off Steve Lennon. The match ended up 10-8 with him continuing his brilliant form. for more information about the UK Open including the schedule, prize fund breakdown, TV coverage and format. Ross Smith (91.5) 7-10 (96.7) James Wade Krzysztof Ratajski v Gerwyn Price Michael Smith v Jermaine Wattimena Rob Cross v Cristo Reyes Nathan Aspinall (90.5) 10-8 (92.2) Steve Lennon Dave Chisnall v Simon Stevenson Steve Beaton v Dimitri Van den Bergh Simon Whitlock v Josh Payne