Resurgent Wade is on cloud nine

JAMES WADE maintained his incredible Winter Gardens record as he reached the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay for a ninth straight year by sweeping aside Richie Burnett 13-2.

Burnett shared the game’s opening two legs, but Wade, the 2007 champion, finished 104 and 102 as he took command at 4-1, and also checked out 98 and 70 as he moved seven legs clear before the Welshman took out 90 to hit back.

Wade, though, replied with a 180 as he regained his cushion and fired in an 11- darter before sealing a comfortable win with a 114 checkout.

“I’m really happy with that,” said Aldershot-based Wade. “I was always confident that I was going to win the game, but I didn’t expect to have that margin of victory. I’ve not been tested yet but I’d quite happily not be tested and win the tournament.

“I’m getting back to my best and I’m enjoying my darts again – I’m not saying I’m going to win the tournament, but I’ll have a good go.”

Wade will meet Simon Whitlock in the quarter-finals for a second successive year.