MATT Clark’s most impressive run in a major PDC tournament came to an end when he lost 16-12 to James Wade at the Stan James World Matchplay.

The Walkden-based ace, who had already knocked out Roland Scholten and Peter Manley to reach the last eight, pushed the defending champion all the way in a compelling contest.

But Wade crucially kept his cool to take three legs without reply at the end of the game to seal his place in the semi-finals.

“It’s been a long time coming but I think I deserved it,” said Clark, who pocketed a £12,000 cheque, the biggest of his career, after reaching his first quarter-final in a major PDC event.

“I should have been doing it sooner but I had a tough draw and managed to knock out two top-10 players and run the world number three close.

“This takes me back to the edge of the top 32, which is a boost, and hopefully I can kick on from here.

“I had more than enough opportunities against James to win by the same scoreline but it wasn’t to be.”

Clark’s accuracy on double top helped him to share the early legs, although a 13-darter from Wade secured the first break of throw to give him a 4-3 lead.

The Bolton qualifier took out 105 to break back in the 10th leg, only for Wade’s heavy scoring, including 180s in three successive legs, to take a 9-7 cushion.

Clark produced the best two legs of the match to pull level, taking out 161 and 113 for back-to-back 12-darters in squaring the contest.

Wade replied with two of his own to move 11-9 up, with Clark taking three of the next five, including another 12-darter, to stay in the hunt at 13-12.

Wade showed his champion quality though, hitting a 14-darter to edge clear, breaking Clark’s throw with an eighth 180 of the game before sealing the win on double two.

“I did get frustrated,” admitted Wade. “I was missing doubles and Matt hit me with some shots that hurt me.

“I probably made it harder for myself than I needed to but I probably got affected by Matt’s slow pace. I’m a fast player and don’t have the best temperament when players do that against me.

“I’m still learning and this game’s out of the way now, and I can look forward to playing in the semi-finals now.”

Wade will now take on Wayne Mardle, who stormed back from 12-7 down to beat Raymond van Barneveld 18-16 in a thriller.

In the other semi-final, eight-time winner Phil Taylor, who crushed youngster Kevin McDine, will face old rival Dennis Priestley, who overcame Alan Tabern 16-14.