Darts legend James Wade finds himself in an unusual position as the new season kicks off: feeling significantly disadvantaged. While top rivals have already gained crucial match practice and TV experience at early World Series events, Wade deliberately took a month-long break from throwing a dart. This conscious absence means he’s playing catch-up, missing out on the vital high-pressure rhythm and televised stage time his competitors have enjoyed. Despite this perceived setback, ‘The Machine’ remains a formidable force, with a history of proving doubters wrong.
The Unsettling Start: James Wade’s Pre-Season Disadvantage
There’s a unique sense of unease when a new season begins, and you’re not fully in the thick of it. For the highly accomplished James Wade, that feeling has arrived early and with considerable impact. As the darting world gears up for major events like the Winmau World Masters, the veteran player admits he’s confronting a reality that places him on the back foot before a single dart has even been thrown in competitive play.
A Deliberate Break, Unexpected Consequences
Wade’s concern isn’t about his current form or fitness. Instead, it stems from a conscious period of absence. Following his second-round defeat at the World Championship to Ricky Evans, the Aldershot thrower decided to take a complete break. For a full month, he did not pick up a dart – a deliberate pause that, in hindsight, carries significant implications for his early season preparations.
While Wade was resting, his rivals were busy. Many were boarding flights, competing, and soaking up valuable early-season stage time at prestigious World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This contrast in preparation is where Wade sees the crucial disadvantage.
The Importance of Early Stage Time and TV Exposure
As Wade explains, the issue is fundamentally experiential. Competing in televised matches under bright lights, and re-establishing high-pressure rhythms, are vital aspects of professional darts. Those who participated in the World Series events have already sharpened their instincts in front of cameras and large crowds. Others, like Wade, now face the challenge of rediscovering that competitive edge under fire, without the benefit of a warm-up.
Speaking candidly to the Daily Star, Wade articulated his situation:
- “Christmas break has officially come to an end! After three weeks of complete rest – during which I didn’t pick up a dart at all – I’m now focusing on making a swift start to the season.”
- “I know I’m already at a disadvantage compared to players who competed in the World Series events held in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.”
He views this not as a complaint, but as a simple reality of the sport. “Those who participate in these ‘invitational’ events gain crucial experience in high-pressure situations,” he explained, emphasizing the added intensity of performing in front of TV cameras.
Observing the Competition
Wade has been closely watching the early season storylines unfold. He saw Luke Littler’s impressive victory in Saudi Arabia and was particularly pleased to witness Michael van Gerwen triumph in the first event of the year in Bahrain. Van Gerwen’s early success, Wade believes, “could serve as a strong motivator for him as he aims for an even more successful season ahead.” Wade himself admits, “I’m definitely keeping an eye on MVG during the Masters at Milton Keynes next week.”
‘The Machine’s’ Enduring Threat
James Wade is no stranger to the big stage. A former World Masters champion in 2014 and a finalist again in 2019, he profoundly understands the demands of elite darts. While his last major title came five years ago at the UK Open, his relevance in the sport has never waned. Last season, he reached the finals of both the World Matchplay and the UK Open, demonstrating his enduring capability to challenge for top honours, even if those defeats were administered by the sensational Luke Littler.
Despite the self-acknowledged disadvantage, Wade’s season truly begins now. And if the history of darts has taught us anything, it’s that writing off ‘The Machine’ has consistently proven to be an unprofitable habit. His resilience and unique talent mean he’s always a threat, regardless of his starting position.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
