James Wade admits 'it crushes me' as darts star sends emotional message to PDC

James Wade has admitted that he is fed up of being overlooked by the PDC when it comes to the Premier League and World Series events. The man from Aldershot is one of the tour's most experienced players, having won 11 titles since turning professional in 1997. However, he often goes under the radar in spite of his standing within the game.

Wade has not played in the Premier League since 2022, reaching the semi-finals on that occasion. He also rarely appears at the big events in the World Series despite being one of the sport's elder statesmen. The 42-year-old, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder, believes he does not get the recognition from the PDC that he deserves.

Speaking after beating Joe Cullen at the World Matchplay, Wade cited his mental health and awkward nature as two of the reasons why he feels like an outsider. He also suggested that climbing back into the world's top four would improve his situation.

"I think I've paid enough dues and done enough things and given enough of my life to the PDC that I'd like to get those rewards, but I don't think that will ever happen to me," said Wade, who is currently fifth in the Order of Merit.

"I think if I were to get back in the top four, things would change with the qualification gaps and I just think it would change, you know? I'm not what they need and I'm probably not what they want. I do want to be there, 100 per cent.

"I'm an awkward character and I probably don't say the right things at the right times. I'm probably not polite enough. I am polite, actually.

"If I was great at saying the right things at the right times, I probably would have been in all of the World Series over the last 12 months. I don't quite fit into that mould.

"If that's me being awkward or my mental [health], all those other bits that I've got with me... there's other players who do manage to get those things and unfortunately I don't. I'd love to travel the world, you know?

"I've been doing it for 25 years. Do you not think I want to travel the world and represent the PDC? Do you not think I want my children and my wife to see me do great things?"

Wade explained that he is often left feeling 'crushed' at having to watch the likes of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler take part in World Series events while he stays at home.

"If you think about the longer term, the reasons why I'm not in it go towards why I shouldn't be in it," he continued.

"If anything, it crushes me. Why wouldn't it? It's exhausting. I want to be in it all, of course I do, because when you're not in it you feel like a lemon."

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