James Wade column: Brilliant Beau Greaves, changing approach and House of Commons visit  

November is here. That can only mean that all darts conversations turn to the Alexandra Palace and the World Championships!

That coverage has been heightened this week by the publicity around Beau Greaves qualifying for the tournament and I would like to congratulate her on that achievement. It sounds like she has played wonderfully well and her place in the event and all the fanfare that has come with it is fully deserved.

At 18 years old, she has an incredible future in the game and there will be a few established players that will be keeping their fingers crossed that they don’t see their name pulled out alongside hers in that first round draw.

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Having talked about the World Champs, there is some very important business to be done before, starting this week at the Players’ Championships. Last week, I talked about going to the European Championships in Germany. After beating reigning champion Rob Cross in the first game, I was really disappointed not to progress against Dirk Van Duijvenbode.

I scored quite well but I just couldn’t find the finishing touches at some critical stages of the game and that was frustrating. A very big well done to Ross Smith though on joining the list of TV major winners. His victory again shows the strength in depth that exists in the PDC, and that no player can take anything for granted.

Speaking of avoiding complacency, I have embarked on a new practice routine that I can already feel the effect of it terms of sharpness and focus. I am being joined on tour by a friend of mine who is managing my arrangements while also organising my training sessions and working with me to keep them engaging and interesting.

I have been practising several hours a day this week and I know that, if I keep that up, I can move my game through the gears. I am hoping to see the fruits of this very quickly as, after the Players Championship events on Friday and Saturday, there is a qualifier for the Grand Slam on Sunday. I am determined to make that field for an event that has seen me do very well in the past.

Away from the dartboard, I have some other really interesting engagements coming up, not least a trip to the House of Commons with Bipolar UK to help them launch their Bipolar Commission report.

Recently people will have heard me talk about my determination to use whatever platform I have to help people with Bipolar and ADHD. If my presence means that this piece of work gets more attention, status or coverage then it is well worth the effort.

I am regularly approached by people looking for someone with empathy for their situation, and hopefully spending more time at events like these will also further educate me on the help that is out there for people and the research that has been done.

At times I have felt very lonely with my condition and it has made resolute about trying to support anyone that feels like that.

Take care and see you soon,

Wadey

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