WOODHOUSE SAYS WADE “INTIMIDATED” HIM AFTER THRASHING LEGEND
10/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
LUKE WOODHOUSE revealed James Wade once “intimidated” him after thrashing the veteran in Graz.
‘Woody’ demolished Wade 6-1 to book his place in the quarter-finals of the Austrian Darts Open with one of the standout performances of the weekend.
The world No.20 fired back-to-back ton-plus averages on the European Tour for the first time in his career and also produced a sensational 170 checkout to move 4-1 ahead in the contest.
That huge finish proved pivotal as Woodhouse seized complete control against the 11-time major winner.
The Worcestershire thrower will now face Kevin Doets, looking for revenge after losing to the Dutchman in the final of Players Championship 13 earlier this week.
Woodhouse is still chasing a maiden PDC ranking title but admitted beating Wade carried extra significance because of the aura the legend once had over him.
He said: “I felt really, really good today and I knew against James I would have to be at my A-game. He is one of the best players that has ever lived.
“So, I am happy. James is one of those players that I have looked up to for a long time. He has done everything and won everything.
“I used to find him intimidating, so to win that game is a big thing for me. I think you can speak to any dart player and self-belief is a massive thing.
“At the minute, I know I am playing some really good stuff and I feel on top of the world.
“Me and Kevin [Doets] are on the same path where it took us a long time to get going. He has shown what he can do and I have.
“It will be a good game.”
