Team Unicorn stablemate Gary Anderon produced the performance of the day in Las Vegas with a stunning average of 112.63, while Michael Smith was also a winner.
But Wade, who was on the end of a big upset 12 months ago in Vegas when he lost to Dawson Murschell, had to survive match darts before edging past American youngster Danny Lauby.
‘The Machine’ found himself trailing 4-2 to an inspired American. The Unicorn man had taken out 141 to stay in the match and got a huge slice of luck when Lauby missed six darts to move 5-2 in front.
Wade still had work to do after a 120 check-out saw Lauby lead 5-3....but the American then missed two match darts to win 6-3 and Wade seized his opportunity. He forced the last leg decider and won it in some style with a brilliant 158 finish.
“I must bring the best out of these North American players!” he joked. “I know I was fortunate but I never give up and always felt confident in that last leg.”
Wade will now face defending champion Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals at the Mandalay Bay.
Anderson was quite superb in seeing off big American DJ Sayre 6-1. His 112.63 average was the fourth highest in World Series history. He hit two 11 darters and two 12 dart winning legs.
The Scot was also on course for a 9 darter.....seven perfect darts came in the 5th leg. Gary nailed six doubles from only nine attempts and hit five 180s along the way. It was a sensational display.
Anderson now takes on Dawson Murschell after the Canadian youngster shocked Gerwyn Price, winning comfortably 6-2.
Next up for Michael Smith is a clash with World Champion Rob Cross. The St Helens star won the opening match of the tournament as he swept past Canadian David Cameron 6-1. Smith banged in two maximums. It was a steady performance and he knows he will have to step it up against Cross.
1st Round results:
Michael Smith 6-1 David Cameron
James Wade 6-5 Danny Lauby
Rob Cross 6-1 Ross Snook
Gerwyn Price 2-6 Dawson Murschell
Gary Anderson 6-1 DJ Sayre
Michael van Gerwen 6-0 Jeff Smith
Peter Wright 6-4 Joseph Huffman
Daryl Gurney 6-2 John Norman Jnr
Saturday Q/Finals (best of 15 legs)
Peter Wright v Daryl Gurney
Rob Cross v Michael Smith
Gary Anderson v Dawson Murschell
Michael van Gerwen v James Wade
STUART PYKE reporting from the US Darts Masters
Images courtesy Tom Donoghue / PDC
