Wade believes initial darting success came ‘too quick’ in his career: “I didn’t realise what I had done”

James Wade claimed a third UK Open title this past weekend to make it 10 TV titles but for ‘The Machine’, he spoke open and honestly about his initial success in his career.

Wade spoke to the Darts Show podcast and believes he is better placed now than he was when he started his career.

Read also

Wade becomes UK Open champion for third time with victory over Humphries in final

"In 2007 when I won the Matchplay, I think that I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't realise what I had done, and I've gone through all those years now and I realise what you're achieving, what you're doing and why you're doing it. I may have even savoured the moment a little bit more this time I think," he reflected, speaking to The Darts Show Podcast.

"It happened to me very quickly. I think it was two or three years and I won the first major. It was too quick I think.”

"This is my third reinvention of myself," he continued. "I could honestly look back between four or five years between - I guess [20]11 and '17, I'm not just on about the problems I've had. I was adjusting to medication, and I tried lots of different medications and that completely screwed my brain. Personal life, I was a young man. That was different. I was enjoying life.

"I was growing up, with the problems I had, and also the big, big thing, maybe not as big as my mental health, but the other big thing was my throw. No one told me - I've so many friends in darts - nobody told me that my arm was six inches higher than it was [supposed to be]. And it was like that for years. Not one person told me.

"As soon as I noticed that - I corrected that not that long ago, probably two years ago, and it is slowly turning the corner. I'm slowly becoming a bit more consistent. I'm slowly getting some scoring power back.

"I think that's why I had a bad five years. I really do...It was just so inconsistent."

Read also

Wade sets sights on second World Matchplay triumph after UK Open win: “It’s been bugging me for many years”

Premier League omission

A lot has also been made in recent days about Wade’s Premier League omission and he summed it up by saying he is ‘frustrated’ but also not surprised.

"I'm probably frustrated, not annoyed. It's happened to me more than enough times to mention," he added.

"If it had been chosen on the dates they always choose it, I believe I was eligible for it. I believe I was eligible for that last place, maybe not even the last place, probably a couple up the list. Because I'm always competitive when I'm in it.

"I've put on a brave face and said it doesn't bother me. But it does. It hurts."