James Wade admits he is his own worst critic as he strives for a place in the Premier League play-offs.
The Machine is a healthy third in the standings, having secured his first night win of the season in Manchester earlier this month and following it up with a semi-final appearance in Aberdeen last week. But given the tournament’s new format, with five points going to the winner on the night, the situation can change quickly and only top two Jonny Clayton and Michael van Gerwen can start thinking about play-off night in Berlin in June.
And next up for Wade is a quarter-final against van Gerwen on Thursday as the Premier League roadshow heads to Dublin. The Dutchman beat The Machine 6-3 in Aberdeen last week. Wade, who suffers from bipolar, has confessed to feeling “negative” recently but believes he is approaching his best form as the Premier League heads towards its climax.
“I’m a little bit negative at the moment. I don’t know why but I am. It happens with everyone with things they do at times,” he said. “I’m being a little bit cruel to myself. But I’m still in it, I’m not a million miles away, it’s going OK so far. I'm trying as hard as anyone, probably harder than most people, and I believe I'm one of the best. I’m here for a reason.
“I’m enjoying myself, playing good darts at times. I feel I’m mixing with them and I'm glad to be here. I'm so nervous up there but at times I'm close to my best game.”
Who do you think will win the Premier League Darts? Have your say in the comments section below
Following his win in Manchester, where he beat Joe Cullen 6-5 in the final, Wade said: “I've done it at last – I'm super happy. You're playing against, in my opinion, the eight best players in the world every week, and it’s hard work. If you hit a 60 at the wrong time, you get bashed.
“I nearly gave it away on two occasions there but I was fortunate enough and I prevailed. I think I was the better player so it was all good. I feel like my form is close to ‘here I am’. It’s there but it’s not there.”
Premier League Darts quarter-finals – Dublin
James Wade vs Michael van Gerwen
Gerwyn Price vs Joe Cullen
Michael Smith vs Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton vs Peter Wright
Source: Read Full Article
