James Wade fires a stat attack for Grand Slam
James Wade today fired a stat attack at his PDC Grand Slam of Darts rivals as the latest major title holder coming into the event.
Wade will complete the opening day at Wolverhampton Civic Hall tomorrow night, live on Sky Sports, in the last match of the evening session against Jamie Caven.
'The Machine' powered to Masters glory in Edinburgh just last weekend with some top-class darts, to win his first televised accolade in over three years, writes Craig Birch.
The World No 5 averaged three figures to eliminate two-time world champion Adrian Lewis and Grand Slam title holder Phil Taylor, before coming back from the brink to beat Mervyn King in the final.
The 31-year-old has long been hailed the best player never to win a world title but he's a champion again going into Group G, which also contains rival King and Tony O'Shea.
Wade said: "People keep saying that I'm nearly back to my best, but watch me at the moment. In the quarter-finals and semi-finals last weekend, I think I was pretty good.
"They were both 105 averages and I don't think many players could do that two games in a row, especially against the players I played in Adrian Lewis and Phil Taylor.
"I don't mean to reel off stats and once upon a time I wouldn't have done that, but I'm learning a little more self-confidence.
"I'm not embarrassed to put it out there that I averaged 105 and that I'm proud of myself."
Television viewers had not seen Wade go all the way since the UK Open of 2011, although he did pick a ranking title in June's Gibraltar Trophy.
King will be gunning for him after needle between the two in Scotland, Wade's match-deciding 135 checkout and wild celebrations irking the beaten finalist.
The Hampshire thrower now enters a Grand Slam tournament he famously chucked away in 2010, squandering an 8-0 lead to lose 18-16 to BDO star Scott Waites.
He said: "It's been a real drought for me. It's been like the Sahara Desert, to be honest, but I've found a new well! There's been a bit of success and I'm really happy.
"At the beginning of the year, I set a target to win a floor tournament and win a TV tournament, so I'm ahead with two months to spare.
"Everything's good at the moment, I'm really lucky to be where I am and I'm feeling good."
Tickets for the Grand Slam, sponsored by Singha Beer, are still available by calling 0870 320 7000 or by visiting www.wolvescivic.co.uk. Some sessions have already sold out.
