WAYNE MARDLE admits that he cannot allow James Wade a big lead when they meet in the Stan James World Matchplay semi-finals.
Mardle made a sensational comeback from 12-7 down to defeat Raymond van Barneveld in Thursday's quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens.
It was perhaps the finest fightback of his career, winning eight successive legs to hit the front before sealing the win - but expects defending champion Wade to pose a different task.
"James is a fantastic darts player and he won't give you an inch," said Mardle. "If I let him get in front me, he's Taylor esque and I can't let him do that like I did against Raymond.
"When I was five legs down I felt Raymond wasn't playing well and I had to push him. When I did he faltered, but he still came back to take me all the way.
"It was a battle and I've proved I can battle it out now in all three games I've played this week. You get more resilient from each game and it makes you stronger."
Mardle reached the final of the World Matchplay five years ago, and the crowd favourite admitted that the challenge of facing Wade is one he will relish.
"I'm in the semi-finals and it's my first one since the World Championship, so it's a huge boost," said Mardle.
"I was the favourite then and everyone expected me to beat Kirk Shepherd, but James is expected to beat me and I'm pretty dangerous in that situation.
"I'm loving it and there's no better feeling than winning - losing hurts and that's what's given me the fight.
"I want to win one big major tournament and who knows, this could be the first."
Click here to read the match report from Wayne Mardle's win over Raymond van Barneveld