Take a look at my Daily Star newspaper column about my Blackpool trip. Many thanks to @elitecompltd for working with @DailyStar_Sport and sponsoring. dailystar.co.uk/sport/darts/ja…
"I still don't know who I am going to play" - James Wade ignoring World Matchplay draw as he focuses on his own game
PDCFriday, 12 July 2024 at 13:00
James Wade is set for a very impressive 19th consecutive appearance at the World Matchplay in 2024. 'The Machine' has once managed to win the tournament, back in 2007.
Wade's qualification hung in the balance for a long time this year, but he finally managed to secure his spot for the World Matchplay in the at the very last block of Pro Tours. "I might be making my 19th straight appearance in the World Matchplay this weekend in Blackpool, but this is the least I have ever taken my position in darts for granted," Wade, who made his debut at the 2006 World Matchplay and immediately made it to the final, writes in his column for the Daily Star. "I have been at the top of the game for two decades and I am really proud of that."
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"If you look at the world rankings from 2010, I am there in second place. Some bloke called Phil Taylor pipped me to the top - I don't remember him, he must have been a flash in the pan," Wade reflects. "Most of the names in that top 20 are gone. Only Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson are on that list and joining me at Winter Gardens this week. It was a challenge to qualify this time around, but it has made me even more determined to never be in that position again."
James Wade takes on Danny Noppert in the opening round of the World Matchplay
"It is no secret that I love the World Matchplay. It is the first tournament that I won and I have been in a further five finals since. I have success, but for me it is the setting, the venue, the crowd. It is perfect," Wade continues. This year, the experienced Englishman will take on Danny Noppert in Blackpool in the first round. But he himself is not yet aware of that.
"Not many people will know this, but I still don't know who I am going to play, despite the fact the draw was completed last week," Wade explains. "I don't like to know who I am playing. It is a challenge, of course, for my management, my wife and particularly my good friend, Dan. Five times - at time of writing - I have had to put the phone down while he has been talking about the draw. It is not really a superstition, it is more - with the greatest of respect - that the opponent is irrelevant. If you prepare properly and do the right things at the right times, you will win."
"People have been beaten before they even get on stage by simply looking at the draw and that cannot be right. I will find out who I play when I get to the venue and Sky Sports interview me," the Machine concludes. "I have prepared great this week. In the words of Elton John: Did you think this fool could never win? Look at me, I'm coming back again!"
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