Darts: “Try to enjoy every match, that’s the key to success” – James Wade reaches the second round of the Flanders Darts Trophy

Wade and Menzies put on a great match for the enthusiastic crowd at the Antwerp Expo. Wade (96.38) ended up with a lower average than Menzies (99.65), but lost out to the Scotsman, who was in top form. “I played well, but was lucky that Cameron missed some important doubles. He had the chance to hurt me, but he didn’t take them,” said Wade.

“I’ve been a professional darts player for 23 years now and I’ve learned to enjoy every game, and I did that today too. There’s not much that can surprise me in tournaments anymore, and I just try to have a good time. That’s the key to success. And the fact that I was able to win is of course particularly nice (laughs).

James Wade

World Grand Prix

With this victory, Wade has also created a good argument for possible qualification for the World Grand Prix, a tournament he won in 2007 and 2010. However, the 41-year-old Englishman needs a few more wins to secure a starting ticket for this major next month. “But I’m not really looking at that,” said Wade. “I just try to win every match and then I’ll see where I end up. I really need a phase in which I reach a good, consistent level for several weeks in a row. I’ve had far too few of that this year.”

In the next round, Wade will face fellow countryman Dave Chisnall, who won the European Darts Open this year.

By Sylke Puck