Wade moves into Last 16 at 2021 UK Open with victory over Cross

James Wade is the first player through from the Main Stage to the Last 16 at the 2021 UK Open after seeing off Rob Cross in a 10-7 victory.

Wade is in the running for a third UK Open title and will move into the draw later on with a 97.5 average and three ton-plus finishes defying a 101.7 average from Cross.

Cross went 2-0 up to begin the tie but Wade had the tie levelled with a potentially pivotal 124 checkout on the bull early on with Cross sitting on 36 for a 4-2 lead.

From there, Wade gained a hold on the tie claiming four legs on the spin to make it 6-3 before Cross stopped the rot to sit at 6-4 behind at the interval.

But Wade returned to the foray and with Cross making a mess of 90, Wade was soon one away at 9-6 up.

The tie was sealed from there from 'The Machine' with a 84 checkout as he became the first player from the main stage through today.

Schedule 2021 UK Open Darts

Saturday March 6 (12:30 GMT)

Fifth Round

Main Stage

Rob Cross (101.8) 7-10 (97.5) James Wade

Gerwyn Price v Ricky Evans

Michael Smith v Jose de Sousa

Michael van Gerwen v Mensur Suljovic