James Wade believes he should be given more respect for his playing abilities, considering the adversities he faces both on and off the oche.
The Aldershot-born star James Wade delivered a steady 11-8 win over defending World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall to put himself into the quarter-finals.
The five-year drought from when he last reached the quarter-finals on the Winter Gardens stage came to an end, with the ten-time major champion looking on form.
It cannot be forgotten that Wade himself is a former Matchplay champion. He lifted the historic trophy in 2007 when he defeated Terry Jenkins to earn his first major win in the PDC.
James Wade calls for more respect
In a post-match interview with Online Darts on YouTube, Wade stated he thinks he deserves more respect for his playing ability, considering his day-to-day struggles in life.
It is well documented that he suffers from Bipolar and ADHD, having received an official diagnosis in 2009.
For the last 12 months, Wade disclosed his struggles with his physical health, too. Therefore, he believes he shouldn’t be written off considering all his troubles.
“I wish all these nippers [at the post-match interview session] know what I have been through and what I have experienced and how hard it’s been. But none of them do. They’re fresh, they’re wet behind the ears,” he said.
Wade continued: “I’ve gone through more hardship than any of you have gone through. I’m pretty sure of that. If you’ve realised what I have gone through, you’d be quite like [gestures of settle down to the audience].
“So yeah, I’ve been through some right hard c***, especially recently, you know, not psychologically just recently as well.
“I’ve probably been through some of the hardest stuff anyone’s ever experienced in darts with mental illness and recently physical illness, you know, and I appreciate you pointing that out.
“I think anyone close to me will tell you that I’m a scrapper and I’m a fighter. I don’t give in at what I do, and I’ve been really fortunate to be as talented as I am, and I’ve done alright in life.”
Don’t write Wade off – his longevity is his greatest attribute
Wade is third in the all-time TV winners list, behind Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
He has a long-established decorated career, winning various TV tournaments, but the elusive World Championship is still on his to-do list.
Throughout his career, he has had up and down periods in form, but has proven time and time again that on his day he can compete for major tournaments.
He sent out a reminder of his most recent run to a televised final, which came at the 2023 European Championships.
He further told Online Darts: “A lot of people in this room will think I can’t get to a final or I can’t win a TV tournament anymore. But I think differently.
“I lost into a final of Peter Wright probably 12-18 months ago, you know, I think I’ll win at least one more before I retire. If I got to keep going till I’m 65 it is what it is [as he smiles].”