James Wade is a three-time UK Open champion and a ten time PDC televised winner after seeing off Luke Humphries in a 11-5 victory in the final.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wade averaged 102.5 and was at his clinical best with 40% on the doubles throughout as he also moves up into the top four in the PDC Order of Merit displacing Rob Cross in the process.
To begin the tie, three missed darts at double from Humphries were punished as Wade took it on double two to take a 1-0 lead.
He missed a dart though at double 19 to break and this allowed Humphries back for double five for 1-1.
A stunning 150 checkout from Wade followed with Humphries waiting on tops and he missed double 12 for a 95 checkout and a break but wasn't punished. He returned to make it 3-1 and cement his early lead. Humphries' doubles continued to dry up and he pinned double 20 to lead 4-1.
Wade returned and missed double 20 for a 104 checkout for a break and Humphries last dart in hand pinned the same target to make it 4-2.
An 82 checkout saw Wade go up 5-2 with a hold of throw. He kicked off 180 on Humphries' throw and left 81 but he missed double 13 which allowed the Newbury ace to pin double 20 and make it 5-3.
ADVERTISEMENT
Wade missed double 10 for a 131 checkout but returned to hold and go 6-3 ahead.
Once again, it was 180 to begin Humphries' throw and he claimed a break on double 20 after the latter missed the opportunity to hold. Wade was seemingly heading towards victory at 7-3 at the next interval.
A 140 and 180 began Wade's return after the break and he pinned double 10 only after Humphries missed double 14 for a 121 checkout. He landed double 12 to hold and go 9-4 up as he went two legs away from victory. A 105 checkout saw Humphries hold and keep himself in proceedings at 9-5 down.
He squandered three more darts at doubles though after Wade had missed double 19 for a 98 checkout and 'The Machine' returned to go to the brink at 10-5.
A 180 followed by double three saw Wade over the line from there in an 11-5 success.
2021 UK Open Schedule
ADVERTISEMENT
Semi-Finals
James Wade (97.63) 11-6 (96.68) Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries (107.83) 11-5 (106.27) Michael van Gerwen
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
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.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
⚙️ 𝗪𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡 🏆🏆🏆
A truly professional display as James Wade makes it a hat-trick of UK Open titles, completing an 11-5 win over Luke Humphries in the final!
Congratulations James! 🤩