It has been a year to remember for Unicorn star James Wade and 2006 has just got a whole lot better, with victory in the Vauxhall Singles and another magical 9-darter. Wade emerged victorious from a field of 256 players in a competition spread over two days and it is the perfect warm-up as he prepares for his World Championship bid next month. The youngster is fast becoming the king of the 9-darters. He hit his 3rd perfect leg in competition this year in the semi-final against Kevin McDine. Wade has already hit 9-darters in the UK Open North West Regional and the Players Championship event at Hayling Island. This time his route was seven 180s, treble 19 and double 12. He will be a real threat at the Circus Tavern….remember Wade gave up his job as a mechanic in July to become a full-time darts professional. It paid off with that run to the final of the World Matchplay in Blackpool and he will fancy his chances of a great run at the World Championships. Wade still had to fight all the way before beating McDine 4-3 in the semi-finals and then followed it up with an impressive 5 legs to 3 victory over Ronnie Baxter in the final. He hit a 110 finish to take the opening leg of the final and also landed a 132 check-out to see off Baxter, who has beaten Unicorn’s Kevin Painter in the last 16. But Wade is looking good ahead of the big one in December in Purfleet and wouldn’t it be terrific if he could become the first man to ever hit a 9-darter at the World Championships…..he certainly looks to be the man for the job! JR & Vauxhall Singles – semi-finals: James Wade 4-3 Kevin McDine Ronnie Baxter 4-1 Andy Belton Final: James Wade 5-3 Ronnie Baxter Winner £1,100 + 5 ranking points Runner up £550 + 4 ranking points
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