James Wade has hit back at suggestions his Australian Darts Masters triumph wasn't a 'big deal', calling the questioning "illiterate" and "rude" after sealing his first-ever World Series title in Wollongong. The Machine prevailed 8-5 in the final against Australian number one Brody Klinge, but only after surviving a stern test from the home favourite, who had earlier averaged over 104 in the tournament.
Wade, who also defeated Stephen Bunting and Gerwyn Price en route to the final, admitted he was surprised by Klinge's resilience. "I thought he would buckle and disappear but he didn't and yeah, yeah, really nervous," Wade said in his post-final press conference. "He was class, he was world-class and he was really, really good. Obviously what helped was the other crowd on his side. Thankfully, we hushed them out and I prevailed."
When asked if the fact he had never won a World Series title before added extra significance, Wade dismissed the notion, describing it as merely a "tick box" and stressing his pride in being a pioneer of the series since its early days in South Africa. "I don't think that's important," he said. "I've been involved in it since South Africa, early, early days and I was one of the pioneering players to play part of it and be involved in it."
But the 43-year-old took umbrage at the suggestion the title wasn't a big deal. "I feel that's quite an illiterate statement to make," Wade fired back. "It's not a TV major but I've come across with some of the world's best players and I've made a stand for myself and I've done a job. I believe if I played how I have done in this tournament, I probably would have stood up against most of the best dart players in the world. I think that's a bit rude, really."
Wade also touched on the frustration of being overlooked for events despite outperforming some selected players. "When you're not involved in it and you've played better than other players that are in it, it's a kick," he admitted. "Of course it is. But life's not fair and it is what it is."