Defending champ sent packing

Defending champion James Wade went out at the Sky Poker Grand Prix following a 2-1 defeat by Tony Eccles.

James Wade

Wade was on the brink of victory, just two darts away from a straight sets win in the opening game at the Citywest Hotel.

However, he failed to take his opportunity and Eccles, a qualifier, fought back and took out 125 to send the world number three on his way.

Eccles will now take on Mervyn King who also claimed a 2-1 win, over Wayne Jones.

King came from a set down and took advantage of a number of missed throws by Jones to land double eight and book his spot in the second round.

Raymond van Barneveld made a winning return to action.

'Barney' had two months away from the game after some disappointing results but claimed a 2-1 win over Alan Tabern.

Van Barneveld won the first set before Tabern levelled and sent the game into a decider where the pair traded the first two legs.

However, Tabern missed a bullseye for a 167 finish and his opponent landed a double five to move into a 2-1 lead.

Van Barneveld then hit a 127 checkout - finishing with a bullseye - to seal victory.

Veteran Dennis Priestley produced a 2-0 victory over Denis Ovens to move into the last 16 while Colin Lloyd progressed with a 2-1 win over Vincent van der Voort.

Wayne Mardle overcame a strong start by newcomer Felix McBrearty to claim a 2-0 victory.

Kevin Painter beat Mark Dudbridge by the same scoreline.

Adrian Lewis beat Roland Scholten 2-1 in the opening night's final match.



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