Wade first into Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals with superb win over Cross

James Wade is into the semi-finals of the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts after a superb victory against Rob Cross 16-14 as he goes after an elusive part of his resume.

Wade has reached the semi-finals four times but has failed to win in Wolverhampton but there is every chance he could do with a 96.5 average and a high checkout of 150 en route to seeing off an in-form 'Voltage'.

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Cross began with a slender lead in the opening exchanges between the pair going 3-2 up after missed darts at doubles from Wade.

Wade hit a fourth 180 only for Cross to pin his main double of choice double 18 for a 4-3 advantage but it was the start of the Machine's revival in the requisite leg as he smashed in a 150 checkout for 4-4.

He made it 5-5 at the interview averaging 101 with a 68 checkout and claimed four legs on the spin on return to go 8-5 up.

Cross clawed it back to 9-6 going into the interval with Wade seemingly unhappy with something happening at the side of the stage.

But on return despite Cross making it 10-7, he continued to build with a further hold to make it 11-7 and at the next interval, he was four clear again at 12-8.

An interesting moment occurred though as Wade lost his point in the board with Russ Bray having to extract it.

Wade went into a 13-9 lead but hanging onto his coattails was enough for Cross to find a break of throw which he consolidated.

Only for Wade to dampen his chances again with a superb 148 checkout to regain his two-leg cushion at 14-12 which he did again to make it 15-13. A clutch double six with Cross waiting to prolong it on double 16 saw Wade over the line.