WADE CELEBRATES TWO DECADES AT THE WORLD MATCHPLAY

JAMES WADE will make his 21st World Matchplay appearance this year after two decades of unforgettable memories at the Winter Gardens.

World No6 Wade made his debut in 2006 and reached the final in his first appearance before returning 12 months later to lift the trophy.

Wade, 43, defeated Terry Jenkins 18-7 in the 2007 event showpiece to become the youngest-ever champion at the age of 24 before the record was broken by Luke Littler last year.

The Machine has reached SEVEN World Matchplay finals with only Phil Taylor featuring in more.

Wade admits he is proud of his incredible longevity in the sport.

He told the PDC: “I don’t think there are many dart players that have achieved something like that so I’m proud of myself.

“Everyone forgets that I’ve played John Lowe, Cliff Lazarenko and all these names that have put this game where it is.

“I’m really thankful to have played a part and contributed to where the game is now and I’m happy to still be here and be a part of it.

“If you had told me 20 years ago the trajectory of darts would have been like this I would have laughed at you but it’s just gone crazy.

“You’ve gone from playing qualifiers in pubs to playing in arenas like The O2 Madison Square Garden. The list goes on. It’s surpassed what I thought darts would ever achieve.”

The Aldershot ace has enjoyed some unforgettable moments in Blackpool including ending Taylor’s incredible 38-match winning streak at the event in 2015 with a famous 17-14 semi-final victory.

Wade also met his wife Sammie at the Premier event and the couple now have two children together.

He added: “Twenty years… it’s still my favourite tournament and my favourite venue.

“I met my wife here. This place has given me my best experiences in darts and I’m really grateful to be here.

“It’s a small intimate crowd in Blackpool but they’re genuinely passionate dart fans and that’s a refreshing recipe for dart players.

“I think the first time I played here I was 23. I feel more relaxed nowadays and I’m more confident than the young man who first started.”

Wade has enjoyed an impressive campaign this year reaching the UK Open final and lifting the Players Championship One title.

The 10-time major winner is now chasing his first televised ranking title since 2021 and will be looking to go one step further after falling short against Littler in last year’s World Matchplay final.

He continued: “I’ve made three finals and a few semi-finals in major tournaments [in the last year] so I’m not doing a lot wrong.

“I think in the last couple of months I’ve been a little bit lazy but apart from that I’ve been good.

“We’re coming into the business end of the year now so I’ve got to try and rekindle that dedication again because I’m not sure I’m in the best form at the minute.

“I would love to lift this title again and I think I will in the next few years.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning