"Aside from Littler and Humphries, I’ve consistently reached the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals": James Wade continues to cut forlorn figure in Premier League snub

Last Thursday, the Premier League Darts got underway. James Wade, world number eleven and a finalist at two majors last year, was, to his own dismay, not selected for this prestigious competition.

After the emotional and physical grind of the World Darts Championship, many players faced an adjustment. Yet the switch to the Winmau World Masters proved more of a fresh spark than an obstacle for some. The unique best-of-3 per set format immediately created tension, pressure, and strategic choices—and that was exactly what made this edition so compelling. Wade reached the quarterfinals in Milton Keynes, where he lost 4-2 to Gian van Veen.

"Losing the first leg, especially when you’re the one throwing first, can impose a significant psychological weight. However, I must admit that I find this setup quite appealing; it adds an exciting layer of suspense and strategy that keeps fans on the edge of their seats," said Wade in Daily Star.

Beyond the sporting challenge, the hunt for ranking points also played a major role. "From a personal standpoint, the lure of ranking points is a huge motivator, and I’ve noticed that many players are truly elevating their games this year."

That sharpness was immediately visible in the opening round against Madars Razma. With a 103 average, he showed he had put the Worlds behind him with ease. The finishing, in particular, was at a high level. "I started the tournament on a high note by defeating Madars Razma, achieving an impressive average of 103, particularly strong in my doubles. The prize for overcoming Razma? A daunting second-round clash with Gary Anderson, a two-time World Champion known for his tenacity."

The reward for that strong display, however, was no soft draw: Gary Anderson awaited in the second round. The two-time world champion is known for his ruthless scoring power and big-stage experience.

"I’ve often said that Gary can be unstoppable on his best days, but fortune smiled upon me as he struggled with his doubles in our match. It turned into an exhilarating showdown, and I’m overjoyed to have secured the win."

The victory felt extra sweet because the head-to-head had long favored the Scot. "Gary had previously bested me in four or five encounters, so finally taking the upper hand feels incredibly satisfying."

With the win over Anderson, expectations rose, particularly with a potential semifinal against Luke Humphries looming. But first came the quarterfinal against Dutch talent Gian van Veen. And he was anything but a formality. "Gian delivered an outstanding performance; at one point, he was averaging a staggering 110 and was still falling short. Hats off to him for a truly impressive display."

Although the semifinals slipped out of reach, there is overall satisfaction with the season’s start. "Overall, reaching the quarter-finals is a strong start to the year, and I’m particularly excited about the upcoming UK Open, a tournament where I’ve claimed victory three times in the past. I can feel the competitive spirit building, and I know there’s much more to come."

With the UK Open on the horizon, the motivation is stronger than ever. It’s no coincidence he has won this tournament three times before.

One topic, however, inevitably lingers: the Premier League Darts. The exclusion still stings, especially in light of recent results. "I can’t shake the feeling that the PDC may be reconsidering their stance on my exclusion from the Premier League Darts once again.

"I find myself constantly measuring my accomplishments against many players in the field, but aside from Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, I’ve consistently reached the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals of major televised tournaments."

The numbers speak for themselves: quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals at major televised tournaments and with a strong start to the season, growing confidence, and a proven track record, one thing seems certain: the hunger is far from sated for Wade.