Wade hits back at critics as stunning resurgence continues

JAMES WADE fired back at his critics by insisting they are finally starting to realise he can still “play darts”.

The Aldershot slinger believes his performances over the last two years have been overlooked despite consistently operating inside the world’s top five.

Wade, 43, has enjoyed a stunning 2026 campaign, lifting the Players Championship One, Australian Masters and Flanders Darts Trophy titles.

And after hammering Gian van Veen 3-0 in Leicester, dropping just ONE leg, The Machine reckons his results are becoming impossible to ignore.

He said: “I wouldn't say I'm one to promote my own self but I think I've been doing well for 24 months.

“I have been consistently inside the top five and that is me being modest. I have probably been a little bit higher than that.

“Due to misfortune, I haven’t done certain things. Tired games where I am a little bit old and a little bit unhealthy.

“I probably would have done better in three or four tournaments. I am doing alright and I think other players are aware of that.

“I think some of my critics, we all need those because they keep us sharp and make us sharper on certain things.

“I think some of those are starting to see that I can play darts and it's quite funny that darts is surrounded by a lot of young fans now that have no idea of what's gone on before Luke Littler.

“This is all good for me and for me it makes me feel a little bit more at home on the world stage.”

Wade has reached back-to-back UK Open finals over the last two years and also made the World Matchplay final last season.

The 11-time Premier event champion is now bidding to add another major title to his remarkable CV spanning over three decades.

Wade returns to action at the Mattioli Arena on Saturday evening and will face Luke Humphries.