WADE ADMITS WORST NERVES OF HIS CAREER IN CROSS THRILLER

JAMES WADE admits he felt some of the worst NERVES of his career on the big stage.

World No. 8 Wade edged past Rob Cross 10–9 in a thrilling quarter-final at the UK Open, averaging 91.03 and sealing victory with a superb 107 checkout. 

‘The Machine’ reached the semi-finals of a PDC major for a remarkable 21st consecutive season, underlining his incredible longevity at the top of the game. 

Wade confessed afterwards that he felt unusually on edge on the oche, something he has not experienced for years.

He said: “The last time I was that nervous, and I’m not really someone who gets that nervous, was when I played youth county darts.

“I was so nervous I could not settle down. I got off to a lead and I thought that would settle my nerves down, and I just couldn’t settle.

“By some miracle I won and there is no more to it. It’s not ideal. I haven’t felt nerves like that for years. 

“I am playing well at the moment and to get up and play as I was, it was so frustrating because I thought Rob isn’t playing well and he is beating me. 

“The more I got frustrated the worse it got. A little bit better Rob got. I was just really bloody happy to win.” 

The Aldershot slinger has been in excellent form this year, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Masters and winning Players Championship One. 

Wade is now aiming to claim his 12th Premier event crown and his first since 2021.

Image by Taylor Lanning.