Rising star James Wade announced his arrival as a major contender with a stunning quarter-final victory over Chris Mason at the Stan James World Matchplay in Blackpool.
The 23-year-old, who has achieved two nine-darters this year at the UK Open North-West Regional Final back in March and the PDPA Players' Championship last month, demolished Mason 16-4 with the most impressive display of the week so far.
Wade made a blistering start and his three-dart average was up to 120 after three enthralling legs, which included a 138 checkout by Mason.
'Mace the Ace' also checked out on 146 in the ninth leg, but his opponent responded with a 116 finish to take a 7-3 lead into the second break.
Wade, who only became a full-time professional 12 days before the tournament started, quickly moved through the gears and reeled off the next four legs to establish an eight-leg advantage.
Mason stopped the rot with double six - but it proved to be his last success as Wade blitzed his way through the next five legs.
'I'm over the moon with that performance,' said the Aldershot-based thrower. 'It's not the big 180s which help you to win, it's consistency. You are not going to get anything out of this game if you don't put in the work.'
