"He’s the best player in the world at the moment, and unfortunately I’ve lost to him in three finals!": Wade gutted but sporting in another Littler loss

James Wade has put together another impressive campaign at the UK Open. The 42-year-old Englishman reached the final of the prestigious tournament for the fifth time in his career, but ultimately had to bow to the young sensation Luke Littler. Wade lost the final 11-7 to the teenage phenomenon. Despite the defeat, Wade can certainly look back on a strong tournament in which he beat multiple top players and once again showcased his class on the big stage.

Wade began his push for a fourth UK Open title with a particularly tense match against his compatriot Chris Dobey. Dobey posted an impressive 102 average, but Wade kept his cool and eventually nicked the match in a deciding leg. It was an immediate warning that the veteran was capable of plenty once again at this tournament.

After that tough opener, Wade increasingly found his rhythm. In the next round he brushed aside Gabriel Clemens convincingly, before an absolute showdown followed against the world number four, Michael van Gerwen. Wade was outstanding against the Dutchman. With an impressive 105.83 average, he showed that experience and precision remain a deadly combination. Van Gerwen could not live with the Englishman’s pace, allowing Wade to book his place on finals day.

Wade stayed razor-sharp on the final day as well. In the quarterfinals he faced former world champion Rob Cross. Once again the match went down to a nerve-racking last leg. Wade, however, remained ice-cool at the decisive moments. A superb 107 checkout saw him over the line and sealed his spot in the last four.

A clash with the ever-fierce Gerwyn Price awaited in the semifinals. Wade perhaps produced his best display of the entire tournament. With an average well above 105 and no fewer than eleven maximums of 180, he proved he still belongs among the absolute elite. He eventually won the contest 11-8 and etched his name into the record books again.

That victory made Wade only the second player ever to reach five UK Open finals. Only the legendary Phil Taylor had done it before him. It was further proof of Wade’s exceptional consistency at the highest level.

In the final, Wade faced defending champion Littler. Although Wade had played a strong tournament, Littler ultimately proved a step too far. The young Englishman once again performed at a remarkably high level and left Wade little room to truly get into the match.

Afterwards, Wade was sporting and realistic in his reaction. "Luke was just too good for me there in the end,” confessed Wade. "I couldn’t quite find it, but hats off to Luke, he’s doing what he does and he does it quite easily!

Despite the disappointment, Wade remained proud of his tournament. The experienced thrower realizes that, especially given his age and the fierce competition, he can still mix it with the world’s best. “I think for the last 18 months I’ve done alright. Luke’s flying the flag. He’s the best player in the world at the moment, and unfortunately I’ve lost to him in three finals!"

Even so, Wade was also left with a sense of satisfaction. “I’m happy to be in the final. I hate losing more than anyone, but I lost to the better player on the day.”