James Wade admits his 20-year document
I am walking a bit of a tightrope when it comes to qualifying for the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
I have a proud record of being in every iteration of that tournament for the past 20 years, but the fact of the matter is that it is now in jeopardy.
It has been a strange week for me. I averaged 103 against Cameron Menzies during the first of two Players Championships this week but ended up losing. I then averaged 104 the next day – thankfully this time I won – so it is heartening to know my game is at that level.
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Luke Littler darts fans can back ‘The Nuke’ in Premier League with his playing shirt
Luke Littler fans can now buy the 17-year-old’s playing shirt to support him as he continues to demonstrate his talent in the Premier League.
The darts sensation was only 16 when he wowed Alexandra Palace at the World Darts Championship (WDC), despite a final loss to Luke Humphries.
The Nuke will continue playing against seven of the best dart players in the world — Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross and Peter Wright — in a mini-tournament in a different city every Thursday until the final in May.
Whenever I have felt pressure, for example trying to qualify for the Grand Slam last year, I have always come up trumps.
Finals night in the Premier League is right around the corner and there’s only two spots left to play for. Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are in, so it is now a three-way shootout between Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall and Michael Smith for the final two spots.
Rob Cross could technically make it, but he would need two wins out of two and other results going his way. Given he plays Humphries in the quarter-final this week, that is a big ask.
(Image: Getty Images)
It will be interesting to see Gerwyn Price back in action after his back issues, which ruled him out of Aberdeen last week. Taking on MVG is a tricky welcome back, mind.
But all eyes are going to be on the intriguing clash between Aspinall and Smith – who even went on holiday with each other just last week.
Michael won one of the aforementioned Players Championship events in Germany this week and is really starting to look back to his best. But we all know Nathan is a real tough competitor. It could be make or break for either of them.
