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