WADE FEELS THE HEAT BUT FIRES ON AT CZECH OPEN
06/09/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
JAMES WADE admits he was uncomfortable with the sweltering conditions in Prague after producing a red-hot display to dump Nathan Aspinall out of the Czech Open.
‘The Machine’ fired a blistering 107.70 average, hammered five 180s and hit seven of eight doubles to see off ‘The Asp’ 6-3 in round two at the Expo Arena.
10-times major winner Wade has now set up a last-16 clash with former European Champ Ross Smith on Sunday afternoon.
World No. 5 Wade says the heat on stage almost distracted him from the task but he was thrilled with the level he produced to topple current Premier League ace Aspinall.
He said: “You know how hot it is Jesus I can’t remember the last time I played on a stage as hot as this.
“I am sweating from top to bottom which is not very nice. I think I concentrated on how hot I am rather than what I was doing.
“But to average 107 that is great. I beat someone like Nathan, and he is one of the best, so I am just happy.
“That says something about myself because I am doing okay right now.
“As I say I can’t remember the last time I played on a stage this hot where I am genuinely hot.
“People of my size don’t function best on this heat I can assure you.
“Nathan does not get phased that much and the 180s he was hitting back.
“I did notice him taper off at the end and I thought I must be playing alright because he is not doing as well as he can.”
Aldershot slinger Wade has enjoyed a renaissance this year after making the finals of both the UK Open and World Matchplay.
Wade also ended a two-year title drought by winning Players Championship 19 in June.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
