Wade and Aspinall open World Series of Darts Finals campaigns with impressive wins over Smith and Labanauskas

James Wade is through to the Quarter-Finals at the World Series of Darts Finals after seeing off Jeff Smith in a 6-3 victory.

Wade was impressive and produced not only his high standard of finishing but also four 180’s en route as he looks to regain the title he won two years ago.

Smith produced a superb start to proceedings hitting a 123 checkout for the opening leg against Wade but ‘The Machine’ soon broke back with consecutive 180’s being followed by double five for 1-1.

‘The Silencer’ though produced some excellent finishing once more with a 111 checkout seeing it at 2-2. At the break though, they sat at 3-2 with Smith missing 20 for a dart at the bull and Wade went ahead.

This advantage gave him the impetus after the break with a 102 checkout seeing him extend his lead and he went one away at 5-2. Smith kept his hopes alive at 5-3 with a hold but Wade came through in the end to see off the Canadian 6-3.

Nathan Aspinall is also through to the Quarter-Finals after a similarly impressive victory over Darius Labanauskas with Gerwyn Price or Vincent van der Voort next up for ‘The Asp’.

He hit a 101 average, three 180’s and 60% on the doubles to lay out an early marker as the seeded players entry the fray in Salzburg.

He raced out the blocks superbly including claiming an early break of throw with a 142 checkout as well as an 11-darter as he went into a 4-1 lead.

A third 180 and double 12 saw him go one away at 5-1 breaking the throw once more and with Labanauskas well back, he pinned 100 to claim victory.

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Schedule World Series of Darts Finals 2020

Saturday September 19 (1900 BST)

Second Round

James Wade (97.04) 6-3 (88.04) Jeff Smith

Nathan Aspinall (101.1) 6-1 (84.09) Darius Labanauskas

Daryl Gurney v Cody Harris

Gerwyn Price v Vincent van der Voort

Rob Cross v Steve Beaton

Peter Wright v Damon Heta

Michael van Gerwen v Glen Durrant

Michael Smith v Krzysztof Ratajski