James Wade has struggled for consistency in 2024 and could fail to qualify for the World Matchplay next month.
The former champion has been a stalwart at the Winter Gardens, appearing in 18 straight events.
His first-round defeat at the European Darts Open has seen him slip outside of the provisional spots though, with only two events to go before the cut-off.
Wade opened up last year on his struggles for form but insisted he was not concerned.
Defiant Wade must find answers soon
The Aldershot ace’s form has been a concern since last year when he dropped out of the world’s top 16 for the first time in 17 years.
Wade spoke candidly about his issues but was confident of turning it around.
He told Darts Now in November: “It’s probably two years where I’ve not played well at all.
“I know where I’ll be in two years’ time, I’ll be in the top 10 again. I know I will be. The more I hear of quiet people saying I won’t be drives me more.”
If the now-world number 22 is going to back up that claim, he needs a major turnaround heading into the second half of the year.
James Wade faces uphill struggle to rediscover top form
As darts grows, the sport becomes more competitive and challenges the old guard.
The emergence of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler as darting powerhouses epitomises this.
The once all-conquering Michael van Gerwen is finding titles hard to come by in the current landscape, and Wade needs to reinvent himself to climb the rankings again.
The ten-time major champion has a reputation as a lethal finisher, but today’s elite all share one common dominator – power scoring.
However, write James Wade off at your peril.
Few on the tour have more experience than the 41-year-old and if anyone can turn their fortunes around, it’s ‘Wadey’.