James Wade, affectionately known as ‘The Machine’, has emphatically ended his long wait for a major title, clinching the Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp. In a compelling final, Wade defeated fellow Englishman Ross Smith 8-4. This victory marks Wade’s first European Tour title since 2016 and his first final appearance since 2018, signaling a powerful return to form for the darts veteran.
Sunday evening in Antwerp presented a fascinating contrast in narratives. For Ross Smith, this was his fourth European Tour final appearance of the year, showcasing his consistent strong performances. Yet, for his opponent, James Wade, it was a momentous occasion – his first final since 2018. Despite this drought of final appearances, ‘The Machine’ has remarkably maintained a position within the world’s top 25, making his quest for a title in Belgium all the more significant. Wade was determined to seize this opportunity and immediately set the tone with a clinical 76-finish in the opening leg.
Smith, known as ‘Smudger’, managed to draw level and even briefly took the lead with a 21-dart leg. However, the world number seven quickly reasserted his dominance, unleashing a flurry of high-quality darts:
- A 14-dart leg
- Followed by a 15-dart leg
- And then a 17-dart leg
This powerful sequence saw Wade storm to a 4-2 lead. He then delivered another significant blow two legs later with a crucial 86-finish, extending his advantage.
Ross Smith, the world number 14, showcased his own class with an impressive 150-finish during the match, but he consistently found himself playing catch-up against a revitalized Wade. ‘The Machine’ continued to apply pressure, securing another break of throw with an 80-finish to make the score 6-3. He then followed this up with another swift 14-dart leg. Smith attempted a late comeback, hitting a brilliant 123-finish on the bullseye, but it was Wade’s night. A decisive 14-dart leg sealed the deal, ensuring ‘The Machine’ reigned supreme in Flanders.
Key Match Statistics:
- James Wade: Average 95.5 / Doubles 53.3%
- Ross Smith: Average 94.82 / Doubles 33.3%
Wade’s superior checkout percentage was a clear differentiator, highlighting his calm and precise finishing under pressure. This victory is not just another trophy for James Wade; it’s a statement of intent, proving that ‘The Machine’ is still a formidable force in the world of darts and capable of ending long waits for glory with spectacular performances.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
