22/11/2020

Wade fends off resilient Heta to book Grand Slam semi-final spot

The debut of Damon Heta at the Grand Slam of Darts is over with James Wade fending off 'The Heat' in a 16-13 win to end the first round of Quarter-Finals in Coventry.

Prize Money breakdown for the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts with £550,000 on offer

Wade has been a potential pick for many this week due to his form as of late and he continues that into the latter stag with a 101.6 average, six 180's and of course 50% on the doubles as he ended another brilliant run for the Aussie ace.

He allowed Heta no room for manoeuvre in the opening exchanges with Wade storming to a 4-1 lead to begin the tie. But when they returned from the first interval, it was Heta's turn to hit the mark as he claimed three consecutive legs to make it 4-3 with a 74 checkout on the bull.

But Wade continued to keep him firmly at arms length with back to back legs for The Machine creating daylight between the duo at 6-3 up.

He continued to create that separation with three legs but Heta was still there albeit with Wade en route to an 8-6 lead slamming in a 152 checkout. This meant a 9-6 lead for Wade at the break and a gift was given to him when Heta missed two darts at double which allowed Wade a 10-6 lead.

Heta took the gift back though with a 108 checkout to trail 10-7 and he fired in a 142 checkout after a 180 to close the gap to 10-8.

At the break, he was 11-9 down but needed a crucial break which was forthcoming when they returned with a double 10 seeing him down at 11-10.

Five straight breaks of throw followed as Heta trailed 13-12. Heta levelled for the first time since the opening leg with a phenomenal 101 checkout but again Wade continued to lead with a hold at 14-13.

A 96 checkout proved pivotal for Wade as he stole a break back and then went onto to claim the tie in a 16-13 win.