Wade reaches World Grand Prix quarter-finals despite “hellish” format
James Wade beat Stephen Bunting 3-1 in Leicester, then said the double-start format still makes him nervous after 22 appearances.
James Wade has reached the World Grand Prix quarter-finals after beating Stephen Bunting 3-1 in Leicester. The 43-year-old is pursuing a third title at the tournament.
Wade averaged 93.20 and hit 15 scores of 140, overcoming Bunting’s 96 average. He said he was grateful to win, describing success in the double-start format as difficult.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wade called the format “awful” and “hellish”. He said he still gets nervous and can make himself feel ill, despite competing in the event for the 22nd time.
Wade also said he has more gears to find in his game, while adding that talk is cheap. His most recent major title was the 2021 UK Open.
He described Gary Anderson as the best scorer he had seen at his peak, but said he did not expect Anderson to reproduce that scoring now. Anderson had exited the tournament after a 3-1 loss to Niels Zonneveld.
