Wade cruises past Lukeman to open World Matchplay account

2007 champion, James Wade has cruised past Martin Lukeman to open his campaign at the 2022 World Matchplay in a 10-4 victory.

For Lukeman, he struggled at times on his debut but pounced on poor doubling as well at times from Wade when the game looked to be getting away from him but in the end 'The Machine' prevailed in the so called Quarter of Death.

Lukeman missed darts to hold and Wade hit double 10 to break. Lukeman missed double 20 for a 139 to hit straight back and Wade did what he usually does picking the pocket with an 80 checkout to hold.

It was another double 10 shot for Wade as he broke again at 3-0 against a struggling Lukeman. Wade missed double 20 for a 102 checkout but Lukeman’s duck continued missing two darts to break back.

Only for Wade to bust going for double 10 and Lukeman pinned double five to make it 3-1. He pinned a 47 checkout to pull it back after initially looking like he was sinking fast.

Wade extended his lead with a hold on return to stop the Lukeman momentum and pinned 100 to break back and make it 5-2.

Wade couldn’t pin 82 to hold but a chance at 52 passed Lukeman by and ‘The Machine’ hit double 10 to go 6-2 up. Lukeman was fading fast again and a 180 and double two saw Wade go three away at 7-2. 

Wade missed 126 on the bull and another chance to hold and Lukeman broke back at 7-3 at the next break. Both missed multiple darts in the requisite leg and Wade hit double 10 again to break straight back at 8-3.

Wade missed two darts at double 20 to hold but then missed further darts to hold and Lukeman pinned 47 to make it 8-4 and seal another break.

A 180 from Lukeman was not followed up and Wade went one away with a 120 checkout. Wade missed four match darts though but Lukeman bust double eight and handed Wade more match darts pinning double two.