James Wade has won his first major title since 2014 defeating Simon Whitlock at the European Championship in Dortmund.
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It is a brilliant end to a month that has seen Wade become a father for the first time and reach another European Tour final. A 91 average with 37% on the doubles meant it was a typical performance from the Machine.
The biggest favorites for the title, including Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright, bowed out in the second round of the European Championship already. Van Gerwen, winner of this event for the past four years, lost in the second round to Steve West.
Whitlock eliminated Wright (second round) and West (quarter-finals). 'The Wizard' also beat Steve Beaton and Joe Cullen on his way to the final. On the other side of the tournament bracket, Wade played two leg-deciders en route to the final round. The Aldershot ace defeated Gerwyn Price (10-9) and Max Hopp (11-10) after surviving match-darts. 'The Machine' also edged out Martin Schindler and Ricky Evans.
This resulted in a surprising final between Whitlock and Wade. The Englishman took the advantage in a tight tussle as he broke the Australian with a 13-dart leg in the eighteenth leg. The left-hander came one leg away from victory and then held his own leg to pick up the title in Dortmund.
The 35-year-old from Aldershot has won nine major titles now. His penultimate major win dates back to 2014, when he claimed the title at the Masters.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Evening Session (2000 local time, 1900 UK time)
Semi-Finals
Simon Whitlock (90.19) 11-10 (87.07) Joe Cullen
Max Hopp (93.9) 10-11 (93.91) James Wade
Final
Simon Whitlock (88.81) 8-11 (91.44) James Wade
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1056679644584382464
The biggest favorites for the title, including Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright, bowed out in the second round of the European Championship already. Van Gerwen, winner of this event for the past four years, lost in the second round to Steve West.
Whitlock eliminated Wright (second round) and West (quarter-finals). 'The Wizard' also beat Steve Beaton and Joe Cullen on his way to the final. On the other side of the tournament bracket, Wade played two leg-deciders en route to the final round. The Aldershot ace defeated Gerwyn Price (10-9) and Max Hopp (11-10) after surviving match-darts. 'The Machine' also edged out Martin Schindler and Ricky Evans.
This resulted in a surprising final between Whitlock and Wade. The Englishman took the advantage in a tight tussle as he broke the Australian with a 13-dart leg in the eighteenth leg. The left-hander came one leg away from victory and then held his own leg to pick up the title in Dortmund.
The 35-year-old from Aldershot has won nine major titles now. His penultimate major win dates back to 2014, when he claimed the title at the Masters.
Click here to view more information on the European Championship.
Evening Session (2000 local time, 1900 UK time)
Semi-Finals
Simon Whitlock (90.19) 11-10 (87.07) Joe Cullen
Max Hopp (93.9) 10-11 (93.91) James Wade
Final
Simon Whitlock (88.81) 8-11 (91.44) James Wade
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1056679644584382464
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Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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