'I'll be back in the top ten' - James Wade sends out warning after booking Grand Slam quarter-final

Dobey followed up 106 and 110 checkouts with a 13-darter to secure an early 3-2 lead, although Wade hit back with consecutive 103 finishes; winning seven of the next nine legs to establish a commanding 9-5 cushion.

Dobey, who also took out 133 in leg 11, replied with three straight legs to cut the gap to 9-8, but Wade sealed his progress in a dramatic finale, after the Bedlington star missed three darts at double 18 to force a decider.

“We want to win a little bit too much at times, and that’s what happened tonight,” admitted Wade, who will regain his place in the world’s top ten with glory in Wolverhampton.

“I let so many opportunities go and I didn’t get it wrapped up, but luckily Chris missed some big shots, because if he forced a decider, I dare say he probably would have won."

He added: "Darts is a bit of an illness for people like me who have been playing for 25 years. As much as you want to get away from it, it just makes you keep coming back.

"I'll be back in the top 10. Everyone else worries about themselves so I worry about myself. I will be [back in the top 10]."