James Wade has updated fans on his health battles after a difficult year on and off the oche.
‘The Machine’ qualified for the World Matchplay on the final day and has reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2015.
Wade hit 13 180s against Ross Smith last time out, the most he’s hit in a match in over 1,300 matches.
The 41-year-old has been open about his battles with bipolar and ADHD and has now revealed he’s been battling physical problems that have hindered his performances this season.
James Wade insists health issues are behind him
There’s no doubt ‘Wadey’ has played with a sense of freedom in Blackpool.
Few would have expected him to reach the final four and he produced a ton-topping average to stun ‘Smudger’ in the quarterfinal.
Speaking to Darts Now, the Aldershot ace opened up on his health struggles which have affected his game.
He said: “I had pancreatitis, and I wasn’t very well for a long, long, time.
“I was really poorly, and I accept that now.
“My own personal health and family comes before this game. I’ve just started to come through that.”
A defiant Wade added: “Life has changed for me a lot, so don’t think that because I’m not doing what I have done [in the past], it’s because James Wade can’t play darts anymore.”
World Matchplay run is typical Wade
Few players have been written off more in their careers than Wade.
Only Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor have won more majors than he has, but he is often viewed as an outsider in tournaments.
The ultimate opportunist, he has proven multiple times that he is able to capitalise on fortunate situations.
Last week, he was in danger of missing out on the World Matchplay for the first time in nearly two decades and now he’s closing in on the top 16.
He will justifiably enter tonight’s clash with Luke Humphries as the underdog, but this will be familiar territory.
If the 2007 champion can reproduce a display similar to the performance he put in against Smith, the World Champion could be in danger.
Fans and players have learned a lesson this week – never write off James Wade.