James Wade could take the European Championship title home once more after victory over Devon Petersen in the semi-finals in Oberhausen.
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Wade won the title in 2018 and will face either Peter Wright or Jonny Clayton shortly for the title after claiming an 11-10 victory over Petersen in a sudden death thriller.
Wade took the opening leg on his trusty double 10 but
Petersen from there hit the front with three consecutive legs hitting a 132
checkout followed by a 127 on the bull to gain the impetus.
This was followed by a hold to make it 3-1 but he was still
only one leg ahead at the interval. He missed double 16 for a 146 checkout to
make it 4-1 and Wade took advantage to make it 3-2 despite averaging 92.5 to
his opponent’s 104.
Petersen missed three darts at doubles and Wade squared it
up with a break from there and he followed that up with a 104 checkout to go
4-3 up.
Doubles continued to cost Petersen as he was down at 3/10
and Wade went 5-3 up with another break. But Petersen did fire back into life
going 5-4 behind with an immediate break back with a 180, 177 and double 20.
It was successive legs as he made it parity at 5-5 and from
there, they exchanged holds but two missed darts at doubles this time from Wade
saw Petersen take out 94 on the bull to make it 7-6.
Three missed darts at doubles saw Petersen pin double eight
to go 8-6 up but just as it looked like he was in the ascendancy, Wade hit a
crucial double five to keep him one behind at 8-7.
A brilliant 101 checkout saw Wade claim a break of throw
when they returned as he looked to steal a march. A clutch last dart at double
20 from a 74 checkout saw Wade go 9-8 up with Petersen having pressured with a
180 to leave 24.
Wade’s brilliance continued with a 158 checkout putting him
one away from the finishing line at 10-8. Petersen kept himself in it with a
break of throw with a 106 checkout to make it 10-9.
A 180 left 24 and Petersen sent it to a deciding leg at
10-10. But a 180 and 58 checkout saw Wade take it 11-10.
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Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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WADE WINS A THRILLER!
James Wade won this event two years ago and he's back in the final after clinching a deciding leg victory over Devon Petersen in an instant European Championship classic!
📺 Up next: 👉 Jonny Clayton v Peter Wright