Новости Unicorn

Far from his best, Unicorn’s World Matchplay Champion was struggling due to a build up of acid in his stomach and at one stage there was a slight doubt about him finishing the match – but Wade had just enough to see off Alex Roy.

“I felt awful going out there and at the start of the game it was just a case of trying to get through it as best as I could, taking one leg at a time. Thankfully, I felt better during the fourth set and was just happy to win.”

Wade edged the first set in a deciding leg and despite his dodgy tummy, raced through the second, thanks to a 112 finish and a spectacular ton check-out to win it….single 20, double top, double top.

Roy took the 3rd set, before Wade booked a quarter-final date against former Unicorn star Colin Lloyd, by coming from 1-2 down to take the fourth set.

Adrian Lewis recovered from a slow start to blitz Roland Scholten with a brilliant display. He will now face Barney in the quarter-finals, in a repeat of their clash at the same stage in the World Matchplay, which of course Lewis won.

He took 12 darts to get away in the first leg and couldn’t get into the match, as Scholten won the opening set….from there on in, it was Lewis at his brilliant best, as he won eight of the next 10 legs to clinch his place in the last eight.

The highlight of the match came in the final set…..Lewis hit a 116, then topped that with one of the best finishes seen on Sky Sports for some time! He needed 125 and checked it out with bull, 25, bull! It was terrific stuff.

Lewis said: “That 125 gave me the impetus to finish the job and I can’t wait to get it on with Barney!”

Van Barneveld demolished Mervyn King – dropping only two legs…..many people thought it would be a close run thing but Barney hit his doubles to start and finish, King didn’t – it was as simple as that.

Lloyd – the 2004 World Grand Prix champion – was far too good for Alan Tabern. The St.Helens man won only two legs in the match, as Lloyd won at a canter – hitting 152 and 106 check-outs.

Thursday’s 2nd Round results:

James Wade 3-1 Alex Roy
Colin Lloyd 3-0 Alan Tabern
Raymond Van Barneveld 3-0 Mervyn King
Adrian Lewis 3-1 Roland Scholten

Friday’s Quarter-Final line-up (best of seven sets):

Colin Lloyd v James Wade
Adrian Gray v John Part
Raymond Van Barneveld v Adrian Lewis
Mark Dudbridge v Terry Jenkins

BY STUART PYKE AT THE CITY WEST HOTEL

Photo courtesy of Lawrence Lustig