HAMPSHIRE'S James Wade has made his mark on the Professional Darts Corporation with victory in Ireland, where top names fell to the youngster's tungsten talent.

Wade, 21, pictured above, who moved over to the PDC from the British Darts Organisation a year ago, has long been tipped to reach the top of his sport.

He proved the prophecies correct when he picked up the Irish Masters title in Rosslare, beating ex-world champions Keith Deller and Steve Beaton, marksman Alan Warriner, friend Andy Jenkins and world number one Colin Lloyd on the way to the final.

There the motor mechanic from Aldershot met Steve Maish who was soundly beaten 6-2 for Wade to claim the 12 points on offer - they moved him up to 35th in the PDC world rankings.

"I think the match against Alan Warriner was the toughest," said Wade. "He was 3-0 up against me and it was the first to four, so it was a bit worrying."

Confident Wade raced to a three-leg lead over Maish before the Essex player hit a 15-darter. But the north Hampshire player held his nerve for his first major win with the PDC.

Wade - who takes part in the Dublin Open this weekend - hit the news in 2002 when he won the Swiss Open, again shocking top players like Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld on the way.