DISCUSSION | Flanders Darts Trophy: Fresh Premier League shouts for James Wade as Belgium darts scrutinised

The Flanders Darts Trophy conjured up the latest European Tour winner in the form of James Wade after taking down Ross Smith 8-4 to make it two titles on the spin. As we come into major season, there are already whispers over the next Premier League Darts lineup with Wade and Smith both in the hunt to feature in the 2027 edition.

‘The Machine’ won his first title in Europe for over a decade after a remarkably long absence from the top step of the podium for one of the world’s greats in this category. He fended off ‘Smudger’ who was competing in a fourth European Tour final in his last nine appearances, failing to seal a third triumph.

This discussion will delve into what chances Wade has, among others, of making a return to the next edition of the Premier League. Also touched upon is the form of Gian van Veen, Damon Heta and Beau Greaves, while Belgian darts was also scrutinised following an average showing on home soil.

Nicolas Gayer, Editor for DartsNews.DE has highlighted Wade’s incredible form as of late and even gone one step further with a bold Premier League Darts prediction.

Are we witnessing the twelfth spring of one of the greatest darts players of all time? Oh, I think we are! James Wade has finally put an end to one of the great anomalies in darts, lifting a European Tour trophy again after a wait of more than ten years. And while one drought has come to an end, Wade is currently putting together a remarkable winning streak of his own: his last two appearances on a PDC stage have both ended with a trophy in his hands — yesterday in Antwerp and a few weeks ago in Wollongong.

Even though it is far too early to be making predictions like this, I am calling it now: James Wade will return to the Premier League in 2027 after a five-year absence. His position as world number six alone already makes him extremely difficult to overlook. But there is also a new sense of momentum surrounding the English legend. Wade has become more open and increasingly active on social media, offering rare glimpses into his life on the road and away from darts. The often stoic Wade has also appeared different in recent interviews and media appearances. One Sky Sports feature during the World Matchplay particularly sticks in my mind, when Wade looked back on his many great moments in Blackpool. “The Machine” almost seemed a little moved, even emotional. Yesterday’s winner’s interview continued that trend, as he shared some heart-warming words about his opponent Ross Smith and the conversations he once had with Smith’s late mother. In 2026, we are seeing a new version of James Wade. And in my opinion, this version belongs in the Premier League.

Aside from the eventual champion, two other players particularly impressed me this weekend. At times in Antwerp, Gian van Veen looked much closer to his very best. In an interview, the Dutchman explained that he had made an adjustment to his stance at the oche. Anyone who plays darts knows just how delicate a throwing action can be. Tiny changes can make an enormous difference, and they can often creep into your technique unintentionally and almost subconsciously. Given van Veen’s health issues earlier this year, it would hardly be surprising if something similar had happened to him. Perhaps the world number three has now found a crucial piece of the puzzle that will allow him to rediscover his best form in the decisive months of the season.

Finally, I also want to highlight the “German Giant”, Gabriel Clemens. In only his second European Tour appearance of the season, the German produced an impressive showing and, particularly in his clash with Gian van Veen, played world-class darts in spells. It has been an eventful season for Clemens and one that remains difficult to assess, with impressive highs repeatedly followed by frustrating setbacks. The "German Giant" made an excellent start to the year, claimed his first-ever PDC title and caught the eye with huge averages and nine-darters. At the same time, whenever it seems as though Clemens is beginning to build some momentum, another below-par performance tends to follow. On top of that, the fact that he has managed to qualify for only one European Tour event this season, while making another appearance as a late replacement, has undoubtedly been one of the biggest problems of his campaign. It will be fascinating to see whether the German can build on his strong showing in Antwerp over the coming weeks.

Samuel Gill, Head Editor for DartsNews.com added another couple of names in the hunt for a Premier League Darts spot.

The European Tour again had the issue that many of the elite decided not to bother turning up, but this again played into the hands of a certain James Wade who managed to win again on tour ironically in one of his first appearances since his break post Australia and New Zealand.

The only issue he has though feasibly is that the big names like Luke Littler continue to win the majors solely so his name likely won't touch a major crown for some time, but if there is very much a next cab off the rank, it could feasibly be him.

A word too on Ross Smith who in my view alongside Wade and perhaps others like Wessel Nijman could create selection headaches for the Premier League, continuing to prove he can do it still on the major stage is a big feather in the cap for Smudger. While despite being ironed out 6-0, Danny Noppert also for me gains acclaim, he has been probably the best Dutchman in recent weeks other than Van Veen who again continues to find his feet.

Ahead of a busy time this end to the season, we are getting players who feasibly could be there or thereabouts for the reckoning for majors if Luke Littler trips up. Exciting times.

Lucas Michael, Editor for DartsNews.com has reacted to recent rumours circulating around the Flanders Darts Trophy, leading to questions around the current state of Belgian darts.

There has been speculation around the uncertain future of the Flanders Darts Trophy. The European Tour events in Belgium could be slashed in half. In truth, it may not be the worst decision in this current period in time.

For a start, Antwerp now hosts a Premier League Darts event, making the damage not as striking for local fans who can still see some world class darts. That is along with the Belgian Darts Open, so there is still plenty of action for fans to indulge in.

Obviously there needs to be confirmation around the news, but does Belgian darts deserve two European Tour events? Mike De Decker failed to qualify for the event two years on from winning the World Grand Prix, Dimitri Van den Bergh is a shadow of himself and may be off the PDC Tour sooner rather than later. Kim Huybrechts had the chance to get the crowd on their feet, but his six match darts missed prevented him from competing at the World Grand Prix, meaning no Belgian representatives will be in Leicester.

Belgium darts is not flourishing and is in a downward spiral that will have big implications for the sport impacting them. Nevertheless, they are much more deserving of a European Tour event than France. It would be great to see another country on the European Tour, but surely one in Spain or Scandinavia or even Ireland would be more deserving.

Moving into last weekend’s action, and it does feel like James Wade is showing his best form once more. I think it is too early to begin Premier League Darts discussions, but he has to be in the hunt after being controversially left out of the 2026 event.

That was in place of Stephen Bunting, who may not even be at the European Championship. ‘The Bullet’ has reached just one quarter-final on the European Tour this campaign, coming all the way back in Poland, but for the time being is still in the provisional qualifying positions for Dortmund. With a lot of prize money to be defended soon, something needs to change for Bunting if he is going to stay among the elite.

Beau Greaves has competed in her third consecutive European Tour event and managed just one win. That may be slightly disappointing before you realise who she has played: Rob Cross, Daryl Gurney, Luke Humphries and Damon Heta. Her time will come, but this is a steep learning curve that will make her into a better player.

Mats Leering, Editor for DartsNieuws.com was disappointed not to see more drama in the race for the World Grand Prix with the Flanders Darts Trophy the final chance for challengers to qualify for the major event.

It was finally James Wade’s time to shine on the European Tour again. After a decade without a title, ‘The Machine’ finally got his hands on a trophy once more, lifting the Flanders Darts Trophy. His performances against Rob Cross and Danny Noppert were particularly impressive. Wade averaged 101 against Cross and held his nerve in a deciding leg to edge past the former world champion before producing an even more emphatic display in the next round, whitewashing Noppert.

Damon Heta’s run was equally impressive. The Australian certainly did not have an easy route through the draw, but he managed to overcome Beau Greaves, Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall, with all three victories coming in deciding legs. In the end, though, Wade proved to be a step too far for Heta.

The battle for the final World Grand Prix places, unfortunately, turned out to be far less dramatic. Joe Cullen and Cristo Reyes both suffered defeats in their opening matches, leaving them with no opportunity to improve their position. Cullen ultimately did enough to claim the final ticket, as the players immediately below him were also knocked out early.

The most dramatic match of the weekend was undoubtedly the clash between Sebastian Bialecki and Kim Huybrechts, with the pair effectively playing each other for a single World Grand Prix spot. The Polish youngster looked to be cruising towards a convincing victory, only for Huybrechts to fight his way back to 5-5 and then earn chances to win the match.

What followed was absolute drama. Huybrechts missed six match darts, allowing the opportunity to slip through his fingers and ultimately fall into the hands of Bialecki. For me, that was the match of the weekend. It may have had little impact on the outcome of the Flanders Darts Trophy itself, but in terms of tension, stakes and sheer drama, nothing else came close.

Pieter Verbeek, Editor for DartsNieuws.com sees Wade sending out a statement of intent following his latest title triumph while also noting van Veen’s positive weekend.

After winning a Players Championship title and claiming his first-ever World Series crown, James Wade has now added a European Tour title for the first time in ten years. 'The Machine' is sending out a clear signal that he is hitting form heading into the crucial part of the season, a period in which Wade has plenty to gain.

The left-hander currently sits sixth in the world rankings and has relatively little prize money to defend. A few strong results could put him firmly in contention for a return to the world's top four and a place in the Premier League Darts.

Gian van Veen also impressed in Antwerp. 'GVV The Giant' had produced some strong performances here and there in recent weeks, but true consistency had been lacking. That changed at the Flanders Darts Trophy, where he reached the semi-finals after victories over Gabriel Clemens, Kevin Doets and Chris Dobey.

However, Van Veen failed to reward himself after missing two match darts in his semi-final against Ross Smith, who reached a European Tour final for the fourth time this season. The Englishman could also make significant strides up the world rankings over the coming months if he can carry his European Tour form into the majors.