WADE DRAWS LITTLER COMPARISON AFTER PREMIER LEAGUE SNUB
15/03/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
JAMES WADE has suggested the Professional Darts Corporation may regret overlooking him for the Premier League.
‘The Machine’ was excluded from the line-up this year but has proven his class at the oche reaching the final of the UK Open and winning Players Championship One.
World No.6 Wade has banked the third-most prize money on tour this year with a huge £101,000 haul — behind only Gerwyn Price and Luke Littler.
On this season’s form alone, Wade would be ranked world No.3, which would secure him an automatic place in the weekly roadshow.
He told the Daily Star: “ITV pointed out that Luke Littler has been in second place in the rankings since January, with a quarter-final place at the Masters, a win at the Players Championship, and a final appearance at the UK Open.
“Hmmmm… maybe the PDC regrets snubbing me! No point in sulking; I’ll prove my worth on the dartboard.”
The Aldershot slinger arguably had the greatest runs in Minehead history, beating Chris Dobey, Gabriel Clemens, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Price — with all but one being major winners.
Wade eventually fell to teen sensation Littler in the event showpiece but admitted fatigue played a part.
He added: “Oh my gosh – I can’t believe it! I literally spent two whole days sleeping, and I still feel exhausted.
“The schedule is intense, but it’s all worth it since I have already participated in the Players Championship, World Masters, and the UK Open.
“Each event presents a chance to earn crucial points, and I’m pleased to say I’m doing quite well so far.
“There’s something about the UK Open that brings out the best in me, and I’m really proud of what I accomplished last weekend. A big shoutout to the ITV team for the draw.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
