James Wade would welcome another match against Martin 'Wolfie' Adams at the Grand Slam
Friday 6 November 2015 18:27, UK
James Wade would relish a knockout match against Martin Adams at the Grand Slam, 15 years after their only match.
The 32-year-old PDC star will be joined by a number of big names from the BDO at the major tournament, starting this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
'Wolfie' Adams has accepted an invite for the first time and Wade is excited about the prospect of facing the three-time world champion if they both progress from separate groups in Wolverhampton.
Their only previous meeting came when Wade was just a teenager as he claimed a surprise victory over the long-serving former England captain.
"I would like to play Martin," Wade told Sky Sports. "He looked after me when I was a nipper, but I would like to play him on the big stage. I never have done.
"I've only played him once and I beat him, but I was only a boy then - I was just 17.
"He's been very consistent, he's been very solid. I remember when I beat him, the weekend before I went away to Scotland and was told I wasn't a strong enough player to play the top players and play for England, then I had Martin Adams.
"I was quite a lairy, outspoken young man. A little bit different now."
Asked about a second encounter, he said: "I would want to beat him as bad as I can and he will want to do exactly the same thing."
Andy Fordham, another former Lakeside champion, qualified for the event and has caused a stir by admitting he does not like defending champion Phil Taylor.
But Wade insists Fordham should not be harshly judged for his refreshing honesty.
"Someone might be exceptionally good at their job, but it doesn't mean that they are your cup of tea," said the man nicknamed 'The Machine.'
"I haven't read it, but I don't think he has done anything wrong with what he's said.
He's just being honest and a lot of darts players aren't. They try to be extra polite and all that stuff and sometimes that's not always the way to be.
"He's just being honest and a lot of darts players aren't. They try to be extra polite and all that stuff and sometimes that's not always the way to be. I think being honest is the key.
"Everyone likes a bit of interest don't they. If someone said that about me, I would take it as a compliment that he says he's amazing at his job and doesn't like him as a person. Not everyone likes everyone do they?"
Live Grand Slam of Darts
World no 1 Michael van Gerwen battled back from 10-7 down to defeat Gary Anderson in last week's European Championship final and Wade believes the Dutchman has created a fear factor on the oche with his blistering scoring.
He said: "You shouldn't lose a final when you're 10-7 up, not when you can score like Gary Anderson, that's madness.
"I think Michael is earning things with his ability. People are missing shots because they know what he's got in the bank.
"That's part of being a great player and he's a great player. You cannot knock him."
Watch the Grand Slam of Darts live on Sky Sports between November 7-15.
