Wade, MVG, Anderson, Van Veen pick up first-round Matchplay wins

James Wade came through a tough 10-7 battle against Jermaine Wattimena to make it through to the second round of the World Matchplay at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

​​​​​2007 World Matchplay champion Wade is looking to finally clinch the Phil Taylor trophy once again after finishing runner-up in this tournament on six occasions in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2025.