The second biggest prize in professional darts is up for grabs at the World Matchplay Championship and former winner James Wade is among those in contention.
Wade, who remains the youngest ever player to win the competition having done so at 24, scraped into the event as the final qualifier but has had an upturn in form in recent weeks.
While new stars like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler are deservedly among the favourites, Wade is a 10-time major winner and will fancy his chances of a run in Blackpool.
Making his 19th consecutive appearance in the competition on Sunday, he got the better of the seeded Donny Noppert in running out a 10-5 winner.
The 41-year-old raced into a 4-0 lead through a series of typically clutch checkouts, before fending off a brief fightback from his opponent.
He won the match at the first time of asking, nailing tops and in doing so laid down a marker to the rest of the field.
DELIGHT FOR WADE! 💪
James Wade closes out a 10-5 win over Danny Noppert!
Just look what it means to the former champ! 🙌
📺 https://t.co/ETSHShs52H#WMDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/gNu8poyF5f— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 14, 2024
James Wade claims group of other darts players 'looked after' more
Wade has been typically outspoken throughout his decorated career and his post-match press conference was no exception.
Speaking to reporters after his emphatic win, Wade alleged that a certain group of players are getting preferential treatment compared to him and some of his fellow professionals.
It is a hard thing to explain without being personal, because I am not being personal," he said.
"Basically, there is a group of players that are looked after very, very well.
"They are invited and have the invitation (to events) whereas a lot of other players haven't got that. You know?"
When asked to elaborate on why he felt was not part of that alleged group, Wade expanded on his point.
'You need to be a part of that crew and I am not.
"Unless you are under a certain management or organisation then you can't be part of that.
"So for someone like myself that aren't part of that, I have to work a little bit harder and earn (opportunities) myself instead of being given (opportunities) myself."
While Wade did not single out any players, he could be referring to the PDC's prestigious Premier League as well as their World Series events.
The Premier League line-up features six wildcard picks in a 10-player field and usually proves to be a contentious subject on social media each season.
Wade has been overlooked for the competition in the past despite being one of the sport's form players, something he has previously brought to light.
While his form did not warrant selection going into the 2024 competition, the invitation of Peter Wright was not well received by some darts fans after he struggled in the event in 2023.
Wright ultimately finished last in the competition again this year, with Michael Smith later claiming he 'should have some strong shoulders' from 'holding the Premier League up for two years'.
The PDC's World Series events have historically seen some lower ranked names with greater appeal like Fallon Sherrock selected over higher-ranked candidates.
Wade returns to action when he looks to dethrone reigning champion Nathan Aspinall next week.
