Wigan success for Wade

James Wade landed his first title of 2009 with victory in the Blue Square UK Open North-West Regional Final in Wigan at the weekend.

The world number two ensured his place at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton in June, where he will defend his UK Open title, after claiming the £6,000 win in the third of eight qualifiers.

Wade defeated Kevin McDine 6-3 to take the victory, dominating the final for his first win since November.

He took the game's first two legs to lead 2-0, only for McDine to pull back to 3-2 with the help of an 11-darter.

Wade broke throw in the sixth leg, and then took the seventh to lead 5-2, only for McDine to take out 72 to stay in the game - but the Hampshire ace was quick to wrap up the win in the next.

Wade had overcome Peter Manley 6-4 in the semi-finals and was a 6-2 winner against both Jelle Klaasen and Colin Lloyd in the latter stages.

He had whitewashed Matt Clark in the last 32 and was a comprehensive winner against both Denis Ovens and Lee Holden earlier in the day.

McDine's performance saw him reach his first final since October 2007, and included a memorable 6-3 win over in-form Robert Thornton in the last four.

He came from 5-2 down to defeat Paul Knighton in the quarter-finals, and had seen off Ronnie Baxter, Joe Cullen, Dennis Priestley and Mark Jodrill to claim £3,000 prize money.

Manley's semi-final appearance was his first since November, while County Durham's Knighton reached his first ever PDC Pro Tour quarter-final in a day which included a 6-1 victory against world number three Raymond van Barneveld.

Wayne Jones completed a fine weekend, following up a semi-final appearance in Saturday's Players Championship by reaching the last eight on Sunday, while Jelle Klaasen made his fourth quarter-final of 2009.

Quarter-Finals
Robert Thornton 6-4 Wayne Jones
Kevin McDine 6-5 Paul Knighton
James Wade 6-2 Jelle Klaasen
Peter Manley 6-5 Wayne Mardle

Semi-Finals
Kevin McDine 6-3 Robert Thornton
James Wade 6-4 Peter Manley

Final
James Wade 6-3 Kevin McDine