James Wade Reflects on Grand Slam of Darts Exit: ‘I Struggled’
James Wade recently discussed his experience at the Grand Slam of Darts, which concluded at the group stage.
Challenges at the Grand Slam of Darts
Wade’s preparation for the tournament was promising, as he has had substantial success at the venue in Wolverhampton, including a semi-final appearance in previous years. In his opening match against Stefon Bellmont, Wade started strong, scoring a 180 on his first throw. He led the first three legs comfortably.
However, a missed opportunity in the fourth leg proved costly. Wade had three darts to secure a 4-0 lead but hit the wire instead, which shifted the momentum. Ultimately, he entered a last-leg decider at 4-4 but again missed crucial darts that contributed to his early exit.
Match Against Gerwyn Price
Facing Gerwyn Price, Wade acknowledged the challenge posed by the talented player. He considered Price to be on par with notable players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Unfortunately, Wade struggled during this match and lost decisively, 5-0. He attributed this performance to a lack of form and conditions affecting his game.
Feeling embarrassed, Wade stated that he questioned his performance in front of the crowd, despite Price’s professional display. With no chance to advance, he took the opportunity in his final group match to regain some confidence.
Final Match and Future Plans
In his last game against Ricky Evans, Wade won 5-2, which gave him a sense of pride after his earlier losses. Returning home, he focused on spending quality time with his family rather than watching further darts coverage.
As the World Championships approach, Wade is shifting his focus to the Players Championship Final in Minehead, a tournament he has previously won. Last year, he reached the quarter-finals. Wade emphasized the importance of building momentum as he prepares for the upcoming championship at Ally Pally.
Looking Ahead
This year has been positive for Wade, but he is determined to elevate his performance at the World Championships. After disappointing finishes in the past two years, he aims to improve and make a significant impact this time around.
Wade remains motivated and focused on his performance as he heads into the next stages of competitive darts.
