"I wouldn't be happy either" - Matt Campbell leaps to James Wade's defence after criticism over post-match reaction

Matt Campbell caused a sensation at the Alexandra Palace on Tuesday afternoon, knocking out the much fancied, multiple-time major winner, James Wade in a thrilling match that went all the way to a deciding set.

Before this year, Campbell had never tasted victory on the Ally Pally stage. Now, he's into the third round. "Look where we are, obviously it's the biggest win of my career," the Canadian reflected proudly in his post-match press conference. "As soon as I got that monkey off my back it's like I could finally play my game."

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Averaging 96.28 with three 180s, Campbell came roaring back from 2-1 down win six of the last seven legs and leave Wade stunned and ensuring his return post-Christmas. "The flight home is going to suck but it's exciting times," laughed the Canadian.

There was some controversy online immediately following the match in regards to the somewhat frosty handshake given to Campbell by Wade, with some citing the Englishman as a sore loser. Campbell however, has leapt to his opponents defence.

"I wouldn't be happy either. Just shake hands and be on your way," Campbell explains. "I guarantee if I see him now, he'll have calmed down and it will be like nothing happened. But, in that moment, we work hard all year for this, so I don't blame him for being disappointed."

With Wade gone that section of the draw has opened up massively. One of either Campbell, Andrew Gilding, Luke Littler or Christian Kist is now looking at a place in the last 16 of the World Darts Championship.

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