Wade produces epic fightback to deny Whitlock and seal UK Open semi-final spot

James Wade is the first player through to the semi-finals at the 2021 UK Open after seeing off Simon Whitlock 10-8 in a superb fightback from 'The Machine'.

Wade will have a chance to make it three UK Open titles this evening after coming from 8-5 down reeling off five legs on the spin including a pivotal 147 to claim the tie. This was with a 98.4 average and 50% on the doubles.

Whitlock surged into an early lead over Wade taking out 81 on the bull to break and double his lead.

Wade returned though and claimed back-to-back legs to square it up at 2-2.

He led though at the break suddenly with a second 180 and a 85 checkout for an 11-darter to move 3-2 ahead.

Whitlock returned for parity taking out 76 to make it 3-3 and he made it four consecutive legs from there to make it 6-3.

Wade stopped the rot going into the break at 6-4 down but the impetus was on Whitlock.

'The Machine' returned from the break and pinned a 128 checkout for a 12-darter to trail 6-5 but Whitlock returned with a 68 checkout to regain the two leg cushion at 7-5.

Whitlock returned for a 124 checkout on the bull to go 8-5 up and hold to continue his superb spell. Wade missed multiple chances to hold but was spared as Whitlock couldn't punish and it became 8-6.

'The Wizard' missed the bull for a 170 checkout but busted 25 on double 16. This proved vital as Wade pinned 147 in typical fashion to break and make it 8-7.

Wade made it three legs on the spin at 8-8 to continue his progression back into the tie.

He began with a 180 on Whitlock's throw and pinned 82 on the bull to go one away himself in which he had the throw.

He set up 40 with Whitlock back on 246 and pinned the target first time around to move through.

Schedule 2021 UK Open Darts

Sunday March 7

Quarter-Finals

Simon Whitlock (96.7) 8-10 (98.39) James Wade

Gerwyn Price v Devon Petersen

Dave Chisnall v Luke Humphries

Krzysztof Ratajski v Michael van Gerwen

Read more about:
PDC James Wade UK Open

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