James Wade continues impressive run by securing 19th straight appearance at World Matchplay

James Wade narrowly managed to qualify for the upcoming World Matchplay. Prior to the last two ranking tournaments in the qualifying race for this major tournament, Wade was outside the qualifying spots, but 'The Machine' managed to secure the very last spot available after all.

This keeps Wade's years-long streak alive, as the left-handed darter has always been a part of the prestigious summer event since 2006. His upcoming participation will be Wade's 19th time in a row competing at the World Matchplay.

Especially in his early years, the Englishman was very successful at the World Matchplay. From 2006 to 2015, Wade always reached at least the quarterfinals, and even the final six times. Only in 2007 did "The Machine" actually lift the trophy however.

On the all-time list, Wade is now third, according to analysis from FEBsDATA. Only Phil Taylor (24 times) and Steve Beaton (22 times) participated in the World Matchplay more often in the past. By the way, Beaton's participations were not consecutive, Taylor's were. 'The Power' was a regular at the World Matchplay from 1994 to 2017. The 16-time world champion managed to win the World Matchplay 16 times, including in his last participation in 2017.

Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen can start preparing for their sixteenth participation in the World Matchplay. Dave Chisnall, Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld will be competing for the fourteenth time. The 31st edition of the World Matchplay will take place from July 13 to 21. Nathan Aspinall is the defending champion in Blackpool. 'The Asp' won 18-6 over Jonny Clayton in last year's final.

24 Phil Taylor

22 Steve Beaton

19 James Wade

17 Adrian Lewis

17 Dennis Priestley

17 Ronnie Baxter

16 Gary Anderson

16 Michael van Gerwen

15 Colin Lloyd

14 Alan Warriner-Little

14 Bob Anderson

14 Dave Chisnall

14 John Part

14 Kevin Painter

14 Mervyn King

14 Peter Wright

14 Raymond van Barneveld