English darts star James Wade has secured his first European Tour title since 2016, triumphing 8-4 over fellow countryman Ross Smith in the final of the Flanders Darts Trophy.
The 43-year-old’s victory in Antwerp marks an end to a decade-long wait for a continental title, with his previous win dating back to the 2016 European Darts Matchplay in Hamburg, as reported by BBC Sport.
Journey to the Final
Wade showcased strong form throughout the tournament. In the quarter-finals, he delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Danny Noppert with a 6-0 scoreline. He then continued his impressive run in the semi-finals, where he defeated Damon Heta 7-4 to earn his place in the final match.
The tournament, which did not feature the current world top two players, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, saw Gian van Veen as the top seed. However, van Veen was defeated 7-6 by Ross Smith in the semi-finals, setting up the all-English final.
Final Match Performance
In the final against Ross Smith, Wade established an early lead. Smith missed a crucial 64 checkout on his throw, which would have put him 3-2 ahead, allowing Wade to take advantage. Wade then extended his lead to 6-3 before ultimately sealing his 8-4 victory with a checkout of 16.
Throughout the final, Wade maintained a 95.50 average and hit five 180s, demonstrating the consistent play that secured him the championship. The win earned him £35,000 in prize money, as also noted by ESPN.
Wade’s Reaction
Reflecting on his win, the four-time World Championship semi-finalist acknowledged the fluctuating nature of his form. “Some weeks it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. That’s how it is for me,” Wade stated after his victory. “If it was good all the time, I’d smash them all to bits. We can’t always select how we feel.”
This long-awaited return to the European Tour winner’s circle signifies a significant achievement for Wade, adding another notable title to his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Who won the Flanders Darts Trophy?
- A: James Wade won the Flanders Darts Trophy.
- Q: Who did James Wade defeat in the final?
- A: James Wade defeated fellow Englishman Ross Smith in the final.
- Q: What was the final score of the match?
- A: James Wade won the final against Ross Smith with a score of 8-4.
- Q: How much prize money did James Wade receive for winning?
- A: James Wade won £35,000 in prize money for his victory.
Sources