English darts star James Wade secured his first European Tour title since 2016, defeating fellow Englishman Ross Smith 8-4 in the final of the Flanders Darts Trophy. The victory, which took place in Antwerp, marks a significant return to form for Wade on the continental stage, as reported by the BBC.
Dominant Performance in the Final
In the final match against Ross Smith, the 43-year-old Wade delivered a strong performance, achieving a 95.50 average and hitting five 180s. He quickly established an early advantage after Smith missed 64 on his throw, enabling Wade to go 3-2 up. Wade then extended his lead to 6-3, ultimately sealing the win with a checkout of 16. The win also secured him £35,000 in prize money.
This triumph ends what the BBC describes as a decade-long wait for a continental title for Wade, stretching back to the 2016 European Darts Matchplay in Hamburg. The significance of the event was further highlighted by the absence of the current world top two players, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, who were not involved in the Antwerp tournament.
Path to Victory
Wade’s journey to the final included a dominant 6-0 thrashing of Danny Noppert in the quarter-finals. He then defeated Damon Heta 7-4 in the semi-finals to book his place against Ross Smith. Smith, meanwhile, had overcome top seed Gian van Veen with a tight 7-6 victory in his semi-final match. Further details and tournament results can be found via PDC Darts.
Wade’s Reflection on His Win
As a four-time World Championship semi-finalist, Wade reflected on the inconsistent nature of his performance following his victory. He commented, “Some weeks it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. That’s how it is for me. If it was good all the time, I’d smash them all to bits. We can’t always select how we feel.” His frank assessment underscores the challenge and dedication required in professional darts, even for a player of his experience and calibre.
FAQs About James Wade’s Victory
When was James Wade’s last European Tour title before this win?
According to the BBC, James Wade’s last European Tour title before the Flanders Darts Trophy was in 2016, specifically the European Darts Matchplay in Hamburg.
How much prize money did James Wade win at the Flanders Darts Trophy?
James Wade won £35,000 in prize money for his victory at the Flanders Darts Trophy.
Who did James Wade defeat in the final?
James Wade defeated fellow Englishman Ross Smith 8-4 in the final of the Flanders Darts Trophy.
Which top-ranked players were not involved in the tournament?
The current world top two players, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, were not involved in the Flanders Darts Trophy tournament in Antwerp.
