Wade through after dramatic shootout
James Wade qualifies for knockout stages of Grand Slam of Darts after beating Andy Hamilton in nine-dart shootout
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Thursday, 19, Nov 2009 01:37
By Darren Plant.
James Wade qualified for the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts after beating Andy Hamilton in a nine-dart shootout.
Hamilton had earlier beat Wade 5-3 in a high quality tussle that left both players' group records identical.
That left them to contest a nine-dart shootout where the player who scored the highest score with nine darts would qualify for the next stage.
Wade was four points ahead of Hamilton after six darts, and then hit a timely 180 that gave him an unassailable lead of 184 and a second round match with Terry Jenkins.
Despite being happy with qualifying for the next round, Wade criticised the format of the group stages.
Wade said: "It isn't right that Andy has beaten me fair and square tonight but now is out of the competition. I'll take it but I find it much better when it's a straight knockout."
Hamilton had produced a clinical display of finishing in their earlier match, hitting checkouts of 130, 132, 102 and 120 to oust 'The Machine'.
In the other game of the group, Robert Thornton beat Gary Mawson 5-2 to finish top of group H.
He began the match with two 180s and a 11 dart leg, and he quickly moved 4-0 ahead.
Mawson pulled two legs back, but 'The Thorn' hit a 15 darter for the win.
Simon Whitlock produced another breath-taking finish to come from behind to see off Ted Hankey.
Whitlock had produced 142 checkouts to win his previous two matches, and he hit a stunning 146 checkout to complete a comeback from 4-1 behind to win 5-4.
Hankey went into the match knowing he could not lose more than two legs if he was to stand a chance of qualification, and it looked possible after he went into leads of 3-0 and 4-1.
Whitlock pulled one back for 4-2, but Hankey then missed one dart at double 20 to force a nine dart shootout.
The Australian then took advantage and produced legs of 15, 14 and 12 darts to seal an impressive victory.
Scott Waites had earlier booked his place in the next round, after whitewashing Wayne Mardle 5-0 with a 100 plus average.
Mardle failed to have a shot at a double as Waites failed to waste any opportunities at his doubles, and rounded off the win with a 140 checkout.
Steve Beaton came from 3-0 down to beat Kevin McDine 5-4 and seal his place in the last 16.
McDine, semi finalist in 2007, looked to be easing to the two points, but missed doubles for a 4-0 lead let Beaton back in, and he took full advantage.
McDine did miss the bullseye in the deciding leg, but Beaton finally nailed double ten to progress.
Gary Anderson had earlier claimed top spot in the group by seeing off Co Stompe 5-2.
'The Flying Scotsman' never looked in trouble as he hit 2 180's and 2 13 dart legs on the way to a 3-0 lead.
Both players held throw for the remainder of the match, with Anderson hitting another 180 in the final leg to bag the two points.
Darin Young won the final place in the second round after winning four successive legs to beat Denis Ovens 5-3.
Ovens looked in control at the break, going 3-1 ahead, but the American proved too strong in the end.
Adrian Lewis picked up a consolation win by beating Terry Jenkins 5-4.
Jenkins knew he had already qualified for the last 16, and looked to be coasting to a third victory at 4-2.
However, Lewis responded with a barrage of 180's and took the final three legs for the win.
Second round draw:
Phil Taylor v Colin Lloyd
Tony O'Shea v Mark Webster
Kevin Painter v Kirk Shepherd
Mervyn King v Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock v Steve Beaton
Gary Anderson v Scott Waites
Terry Jenkins v James Wade
Robert Thornton v Darin Young