"If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed" - James Wade sends statement of intent with 112.73 average

James Wade produced a ridiculously high level in the opening round of the Australian Darts Masters. The home favourite, Tim Pusey, was only a spectator as 'The Machine' averaged a staggering 112.73 in a magnificent 6-0 battering.

Not always known for putting in the biggest averages, Wade mixed his characteristic clinical finishing with some hugely outrageous scoring turns. He threw four 180's and seven 140's in six legs, pinning 60% of his doubles while limiting his opponent to just three attempts on the outer ring.

Checkouts of 80 and 124 caught the eye before ending the match with a truly magnificent 164 outshot for a 12-dart break with his opponent stranded on 51. Pusey had no chance as Wade sends a firm statement to the rest of the competition in Wollongong.

“That felt amazing. Everything just fell into my hands there,” Wade stated after the match, over the moon with how he played.

A three-time World Series of Darts finalist, Wade has never taken home a title in this category. He has previously reached a final on Australian turf in the 2022 New South Wales Darts Masters, but was thrashed 8-1 against Jonny Clayton.

He will hope that this electric display continues throughout the tournament as he marveled in the situation he was currently in. “I think I’m guilty of sometimes forgetting how lucky I am to do what I do, but I’m just happy to be here and I’m playing alright."

Up next is Stephen Bunting who is struggling for form himself. 'The Bullet' took down Mal Cuming 6-3 to set up a showdown against Wade, something that the 43-year-old will back himself to win. “I’m not here to make the numbers up, but I’m amongst some great players," Wade continued. "If I replicate that level tomorrow everyone is stuffed, but tomorrow is a different day!”