James Wade suffers comeback defeat as Menzies and Edhouse seal progression in Minehead

James Wade faced a shock exit on Friday afternoon at the Players Championship Finals after being seemingly over the hill towards victory in Minehead while Ritchie Edhouse and Cameron Menzies continued their form.

'The Machine' led 4-2 against Stephen Burton, but then missed five chances to make it 5-2. With a 20-darter and a 15-darter Burton came back to 4-4. Burton then completed the comeback with a 17-darter and a 74 finish.

Reigning European Championship winner Ritchie Edhouse did join the last 32. 'The Madhouse' faced Luke Woodhouse, which was a repeat of the semi-final at the European Championship Darts. Again, Edhouse drew the longest straw. After a last leg-decider it became 6-5 for the 41-year-old.

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Cameron Menzies continued his strong form of recent weeks with a 6-2 victory over Jim Williams, who disappointed somewhat with an 83 average. Menzies countered with a solid average of 94.77.

Krzysztof Ratajski may also return to the Butlin's Resort on Saturday. The Pole won 6-4 over Madars Razma in the opening round. The Latvian took an 0-2 lead in the early stages, but lost the next four legs. Razma then came back to 4-4, but saw both the ninth and tenth leg go to Ratajski.

Dirk van Duijvenbode also has convincingly made it to the second round at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. 'Aubergenius' won 6-1 over Callan Rydz after a strong performance for a spot in the last 32.

Although the doubles percentage of 37.5 percent could be a bit better, Van Duijvenbode posted an average of 99.40. The Dutchman opened the match with a 15-darter, before Rydz threw out 156 for a 1-1 tie. Van Duijvenbode then closed the gap with a 16-darter and a 14-darter. The former World Grand Prix finalist then took the score to 4-1 with a 100 finish. A 15-darter and a 94 finish then made the final score 6-1.

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