James Wade tells PDC solely two stars deserve Premier League Darts spot earlier than him
JAMES WADE COLUMN: The Machine is not one of the eight players competing in this year’s BetMGM Premier League which starts on Thursday in Newcastle
James Wade’s column, in collaboration with OOONO – a screen-free traffic camera alert device, for safer driving
What an intriguing scenario it is to witness Luke Littler and Luke Humphries face off in the final once again; it certainly feels like a storyline we’ve seen before!
The Winmau World Masters final itself was a thrilling spectacle, characterised by a dramatic ebb and flow, as both players showcased their skills. Ultimately, Littler managed to break Humphries’ resilience and surged across the finish line, a testament to his determination and talent.
After the intensity of the World Championship, acclimating to the three legs per set format presents a unique challenge. Losing the first leg, especially when you’re the one throwing first, can impose a significant psychological weight. However, I must admit that I find this setup quite appealing; it adds an exciting layer of suspense and strategy that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
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From a personal standpoint, the lure of ranking points is a huge motivator, and I’ve noticed that many players are truly elevating their games this year.
I started the tournament on a high note by defeating Madars Razma, achieving an impressive average of 103, particularly strong in my doubles. The prize for overcoming Razma? A daunting second-round clash with Gary Anderson, a two-time World Champion known for his tenacity.
I’ve often said that Gary can be unstoppable on his best days, but fortune smiled upon me as he struggled with his doubles in our match. It turned into an exhilarating showdown, and I’m overjoyed to have secured the win. Gary had previously bested me in four or five encounters, so finally taking the upper hand feels incredibly satisfying.
Looking ahead, I had my sights set on a potential semi-final against Luke Humphries. But first, I had to navigate the quarter-final against the formidable Gian Van Veen – a task much easier said than done. Gian delivered an outstanding performance; at one point, he was averaging a staggering 110 and was still falling short. Hats off to him for a truly impressive display.
Overall, reaching the quarter-finals is a strong start to the year, and I’m particularly excited about the upcoming UK Open, a tournament where I’ve claimed victory three times in the past. I can feel the competitive spirit building, and I know there’s much more to come.
I can’t shake the feeling that the PDC may be reconsidering their stance on my exclusion from the Premier League Darts once again. I find myself constantly measuring my accomplishments against many players in the field, but aside from Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, I’ve consistently reached the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals of major televised tournaments.
Take care, Wadey.
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