"One of the most important periods of my career": James Wade sets sights on successful Summer with top 10 goal

James Wade has not had the best six months of his career, but "The Machine" is eager to turn the negative curve around.

"For me, this actually is the start of a new year. The work starts in earnest now," said Wade. "January's Masters tournament in Milton Keynes is a bit of a strange one as it is not ranked and comes when most people have taken time away from the oche. Following that, unless you are in the Premier League, the events are very sporadic."

"But that all changes now. Next month we have the World Matchplay - an event I have been fortunate enough to win in the past - then we have the Grand Prix in September, the Grand Slam in November, the Players Championships shortly after and then the small matter of the World Championships at Ally Pally. For me, this is one of the most important periods of my career. I know I can still win a major tournament to add to my collection, and in doing so I have the chance to get right back into the top 10, as I am not defending much money."

Wade has since dropped to 22nd in the world rankings. "I have to do it. I have to deliver. I have been playing well and starting to average decent numbers, but I haven't been doing it consistently. I haven't been doing the right things at the right moment in games - which has been the key to success for my whole career."

"I think it is coming back and there is nothing like the start of the big run of events to focus my mind."