James Wade celebrated the birth of his son with a superb run to the final of the European Darts Trophy.

The Team Unicorn star and wife Samantha have just welcomed son Arthur into the world, but it was back to business for Wade in Germany.

He eventually lost out 8-3 in the final to Michael van Gerwen who claimed an 8th Euro Tour victory of the year.

Wade’s run to the final means he will be the 6th seed at the European Championship in Dortmund at the end of the month and he will have a tough 1st Round draw against German Martin Schindler.

Although Wade’s long wait for a tournament victory goes on, it was still a superb weekend for ‘The Machine’.

In the final, from two legs apiece Van Gerwen took control and he raced to an incredible 28th Euro Tour title in all.

The World No.1 averaged 111, hit a superb 119 check-out which was bull, single 19 bull and there were 10, 11 and two 12 dart legs for good measure. Wade actually took out 95 to lead 2-1 but Van Gerwen hit top form. And he then fired in a brilliant 170 to seal the win.

Wade had seen off Antonio Alcinas, Darren Webster and Rob Cross....and he came from 0-2 down to beat the World Champion 6-3 in the quarter-finals. In the semi’s the Unicorn man sealed a comfortable 7-4 victory over Richard North.

The European Championship, which will be screened on ITV4, has thrown up a big all Unicorn clash between Joe Cullen and Jelle Klaasen.

Elsewhere Michael Smith will play Steve Lennon, Ian White faces Richard North and Kyle Anderson will take on Gerwyn Price.

In Gottingen at the weekend Klaasen recorded his first win over Peter Wright in five years and that was enough to cement his spot at the European Championship. It was a welcome return to form. He eventually lost to North in the quarter-finals.

It was another terrific weekend for Unicorn ace Michael Smith. He produced some big averages as he swept aside Marko Kantele, Steve Beaton and Dave Chisnall on his way to the semi-finals, but Van Gerwen was too hot to handle and beat Smith 7-2.

Other highlights of the European Championship draw include Van Gerwen against Paul Nicholson, Adrian Lewis against Dave Chisnall and Rob Cross against Danny Noppert.

Story from STUART PYKE

Photo courtesy PDC

Posted in Unicorn Darts