‘The Machine’ impressed in the opening set, averaging over 95 and hitting every double attempt to set up a last 16 clash with Luke Littler.
World No.15 Wade remains determined and confident outside Littler and Luke Humphries there are gaps in the market to exploit and lift titles.
He said: “I still think it is laughable that people don’t think I can win things. It is what it is. I still think I’ll win TV majors and I don’t see any reason why not. I don’t believe anyone is amazing from probably the Lukes and, after that, they can be quite lazy.
“They are not Phil Taylors, not Michael van Gerwens at their best. They are phenomenal players, but there is gaps in the market and it is what it is.
“I don’t really care who I play. I know if I play well, I do well. I think that’s the thing. I genuinely put my hand on my heart and don’t really care who I play. If I play well, I put up a fight. Obviously, Luke is doing amazingly well, but it’ll be what it’ll be.
“I am very disappointed with my ranking position because I know I am better than quite a few of them, but we’ll see. Talk is cheap and we have to move onwards and upwards.”
Wade set his sights on climbing the rankings a year ago but admitted: “I failed miserably. I didn’t get to that point which is really frustrating. I lost to a 98ish in the World Championships, really, really frustrating, but it is what it is. It wasn’t good enough, didn’t do enough.
“A couple of little turns in tides could have been enough, but another 30 players could say the same. I believe I am good enough and with a little of luck, the tide will turn.”
Images by Taylor Lanning.
