07/03/2021

Wade becomes UK Open champion for third time with victory over Humphries in final

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.

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.

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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.

Wade becomes UK Open champion for third time with victory over Humphries in final

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.