James Wade expressed disappointment following his recent match against Mickey Mansell at the Players Championship Finals. The encounter, held at Butlin’s Minehead Resort, saw Wade triumph over his opponent with a score of 6-3. Following the match, Wade extended his hand for a handshake, but Mansell, 52, did not acknowledge the gesture, leaving Wade feeling disheartened.
Match Highlights
Wade displayed exceptional skill, achieving two checkouts of over 100 and successfully hitting 50% of his double attempts. His victory allows him to advance to the second round, where he will face either Joe Cullen or Peter Wright on Saturday.
Wade Reflects on the Match
The world No. 6, who has participated in the Players Championship Finals since its inception in 2009, noted that Mansell’s slow playing style made the match challenging. Wade remarked, “I shook his hand, said ‘best of luck,’ but he wouldn’t return it to me. It was a little disheartening.”
Looking Ahead
Wade’s success at the Players Championship Finals follows his victory at Players Championship 19 in June, where he ended a near three-year drought for a PDC ranking title. Wade defeated Scott Williams 8-3, averaging 101.52 to secure the top prize of £15,000. This win marked a significant return for Wade, who had faced health challenges that affected his ranking.
- Match Score: Wade 6, Mansell 3
- Next Opponent: Either Joe Cullen or Peter Wright
- Wade’s Achievement: £15,000 prize at Players Championship 19
- Averaging: 101.52 in his most recent victory
Future Prospects
Wade’s career features four World Championship semi-final appearances. Recently, he commented positively on the Professional Darts Corporation’s announcement regarding a £1 million prize for the 2026 World Championship winner. He reminisced about a conversation with Barry Hearn over 15 years ago, expressing gratitude for the achievements and contributions of Matchroom in the sport.
As Wade prepares for his next match, he seems poised to reclaim his former glory in the world of darts, buoyed by recent successes and a resilient mindset.
