Merv is King for the Day Again
MERVYN KING admitted it was a “massive day” as he beat James Wade to win his first PDC title in almost four years.
The former world semi-finalist KO’d Wadey 6-2 in the final of Players Championship 15 at the Barnsley Metrodome yesterday (Tues).
King, 52, last tasted glory in the European Darts Grand Prix in September 2014 and produced a stunning 105.2 average to run out a comfortable winner in his first ProTour final of the year.
He admitted: “It’s a massive day for me, I’m really happy with that result. James is a fantastic player and a great friend who gives me a lot of advice in life and darts, so I knew I would have to play well to beat him.
“I upped my level in every game I played today, which was pleasing. There’s a bit more left in the tank but I’m really happy with how today went.”
King recorded wins over Simon Preston, Matthew Edgar, Rowby-John Rodriguez, Robert Marijanovic, Ian White, Mark Webster and Wade en route to clinching the £10,000 top prize.
The World No 21 roared into a 3-1 lead against Wade as they final exploded into life as King landed a 127 only for The Machine to respond with 126.
Wade found his favourite double 10 to reduce the deficit to one leg, before King rattled off the final three legs, including a magnificent 104 finish, to seal a sixth career Players Championship title.
Despite defeat in the final, it was a positive day for Wade who won through to his third ranking final of 2018 and produced three ton-plus averages over the course of the event.
The former World Matchplay champion defeated Ryan Joyce, Robert Thornton, Paul Rowley, Chris Dobey, Rob Cross and Steve Beaton as he went close to racking up a 12th Players Championship win of his career.
Elsewhere, world number two Peter Wright was defeated by Robert Marijanovic in round three, while Daryl Gurney lost to Beaton in the last 16 while John Henderson went out in the last 16 to Michael Smith.
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)