Wade eases through to second round at PDC World Darts Championship with victory over Kuivenhoven

James Wade has eased through to the second round of the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship with a 3-1 triumph over Maik Kuivenhoven.

Wade wasn't at his vintage best with his lowest average in the tournament for 13 years but he produced a Machine esque 35% on doubles and a high checkout of 105.

Wade pinned double 10 to begin his tie against Kuivenhoven and his trusty double came back to saw him go 2-1 up and towards the first set.  

Kuivenhoven missed a chance at a 54 checkout and Wade picked his pocket with a 105 checkout. Wade couldn’t do the same on a 129 checkout but returned with Kuivenhoven busting. Only for three darts to go by the wayside. 

It was up to five darts for Kuivenhoven and Wade returned for double five for a break of throw. He consolidated that on double 20.  

Kuivenhoven held throw in a good leg for the Dutchman and it was up to Wade to serve out the set. He missed double 12 for a 141 but returned for double six which he pinned.  

Kuivenhoven pinned 99 on double 10 for an opening break. He hit double 10 to go one away from an opening set. With Wade averaging 79 for the set, Kuivenhoven took a set back.  

Wade missed 75 on double 20 for an opening break but Kuivenhoven missed a 49 checkout allowing ‘The Machine’ back for double five. A 48 checkout saw Wade go one away. 

An 83 checkout saw Kuivenhoven hold and Wade was set to serve it out. He pinned double one with Kuivenhoven well back.