James Wade has progressed to the round of 16 at the World Matchplay earlier today, thrashing Danny Noppert.
The Machine left it late to book his place at the Winter Gardens but will now fancy his chances of progressing even further.
Wade averaged 95.91 during the 10-5 win and managed to hit two 180s in despatching the Dutchman.
The 41-year-old enjoys the tournament in Blackpool and has won the competition once back in 2007.
Now, he’s delivered a bit of a rant at the authorities following today’s win over Noppert.
James Wade shares what has got him a little marked about modern darts
It’s been a pretty poor few months for Wade and it was almost disaster for him as he tried to qualify for the World Matchplay.
Wade was beaten at the World Championships last time out by Canadian player Matt Campbell and it’s not been a season to remember.
Now, after his win earlier today, Wade has mentioned something about his performance and also something that he doesn’t like on the tour right now.
He told Online Darts: “Reserved, nervous, probably should have done a little bit more a little bit quicker but I’m happy and everything is great.
“This year is the first one I’ve felt a little bit subdued and relaxed.
“There’s a group of players who are looked after very very well. They’re invited they get the invitations and other players don’t get that.
“You need to be part of a crew and a thing unless you’re part of a certain management you have to work a little bit harder and earn the opportunities rather than just being given them.
“There’s some wonderful things in darts but you need to be part of a certain team and I’m not part of that team, that’s what I mean.”
A happy James Wade is a dangerous player
This was quite an intriguing interview because Wade mentioned that he’s been struggling mentally of late but is now on the mend. That indeed is good news.
Wade is one of the more colourful players on the tour and he doesn’t half beat himself up when things go awry.
The player has won the majority of the big tournaments but he’s still craving the chance to be called a World Champion.
Clearly, with these comments on certain players getting certain opportunities he’s perhaps referring to the emergence of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries on the scene.
But, Wade is comfortably inside the top 10 of the world’s elite when he’s playing at his best and the ball really is in his court.
A strong run at the World Matchplay could be just the catalyst he needs to really kick on this year.