James Wade advances to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay. After his victory, the darts star demands more recognition.
James Wade is in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay and is playing strongly at the Major tournament. However, he doesn’t think his performance is appreciated enough: The star complained about the lack of recognition for his person.
At a press conference, Wade said: “I’ve probably played some of the better darts of all dart players and in all the Sky preparation for tonight I wasn’t to be seen once.”
James Wade was not only in a good mood after reaching the semi-finals of the World Matchplay
“It’s no longer about who plays well”
He emphasized that it was a very proud moment for him personally when he stepped onto the stage and started the game against Gian van Veen. But instead of being annoyed, the lack of attention before the game made him calmer, revealed the 50-year-old.
Wade has been struggling with a lack of recognition for some time: “In darts, it’s no longer about who plays well. It’s about who the press gets their hands on and wants to bring to the public.”
Wade demands recognition
Afterwards, the darts star expressed himself unusually confidently for his standards: “You’ll never hear me say that again, but I think I’m one of the greatest dart players of all time.” He added: “If I win this now, in 20 years no one will be sitting here and doing the same.”
Regarding the World Matchplay, Wade has a strong statistic to show: He participated in the Major tournament 20 times, reached the semi-finals ten times and also won the event, which is considered the most important after the World Championship, once.
Will Wade succeed in the big coup?
“For 20 years, no one else has done what I have achieved,” emphasized the Englishman. In his career so far, he has won eleven Major titles.
In the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, Wade will face Jonny Clayton on Saturday evening. He only has two steps left to add the twelfth Major title to the collection.