Wade Wins Blue Square UK Open

JAMES WADE claimed the third major title of his flourishing career with an 11-7 win over America's Gary Mawson in the final of the Blue Square UK Open.

Wade added the £35,000 UK Open title to the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix victories he took in 2007 with a classy display of darts at the Reebok Stadium.

Mawson had ended Raymond van Barneveld's bid for a third successive title in Bolton in the semi-finals with a 10-8 triumph, but fell short in his own challenge against Wade.

He held his own for much of the final, leading 3-1 and 6-5, but Wade pulled clear in the second half of the match to take victory.

"It's a special title for me," said Wade. "I've never done well at Bolton in previous years so it feels good.

"It's my third big title and to be honest I'm lost for words. Gary let me off at times in the final and I made the most of it, but I was pretty consistent over the whole weekend."

Wade began slowly, with only a 100 finish in leg two and a maximum in leg four to cheer about as Mawson - buoyed by his semi-final triumph - took the early advantage with a 3-1 lead.

A 98 finish saw Wade hit back, and he also took the next three - including seven perfect darts in one leg and a 13-darter - to take a 5-4 lead.

A superb 150 finish, ironically the checkout Wade missed in his nine-darter bid, saw Mawson level once more, and the American regained the lead at 6-5 on double 16.

But Wade levelled and then took advantage of a missed double top to pull out to 10-6, including a showpiece 100 checkout featuring two double tops.

Mawson landed double 16 to keep his hopes alive in leg 17, but a seventh maximum of the game put Wade clear in the next and he landed his favourite double top for a 12-darter to claim another major title.

Mawson had begun his challenge in the second round on Thursday, and claimed £15,000 as runner-up to break into the world's top 50.

"I've had a fantastic weekend," he said. "I wish I could have gone one game further but James was great in the final."

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Blue Square UK Open Final
James Wade 11-7 Gary Mawson
Best of 21 legs
Winner £35,000
Runner-Up £15,000

Match Stats