The Machine Takes Down Brown

JAMES WADE 2-0 STEVE BROWN
(3-1, 3-0)
JAMES WADE began the defence of his PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix title with a strong 2-0 defeat of Steve Brown at the New Citywest Convention Centre.

The reigning champion dropped only one leg in taking the win, as he set up a second round date with Holland's Vincent van der Voort on Wednesday.

Bristol's Brown began the match well, capitalising on a slow start from Wade to win the opening leg with a 74 finish.

Wade, though, burst back into life by taking out 142 on double 11 to level, and moved 2-1 up in the set by edging a key third leg when Brown missed darts to double top and ten to hold throw.

A second successive double ten finish saw Wade secure the set, and he took out a confident 100 checkout in two darts to lead in the second.

Double ten moved him two legs clear, and he landed a 180 before finishing the same double to complete the win.

"I believe I was a little lucky because Steve missed a lot of doubles, but if you're being presented with chances you have to take them," said Wade.

"The 142 took the wind out of his sails but I never felt in trouble and I'm happy with that. I've got Vincent van der Voort next and he was brilliant in his first round game, so I know I've got to improve.

"My darts feel good at the moment and I'll prepare well to play Vincent on Wednesday now."

Match Stats

James Wade	2-0	Steve Brown
6	100+	8
6	140+	6
1	180	0
25.01	Ave1	25.59
75.02	Ave3	76.77
142,100	High Finish	74
3	Breaks of Throw	0
7/21 - 33%	Starting Doubles	7/25 - 28%
6/13 - 46%	Finishing Doubles	1/6 - 17%