Mervyn King and James Wade answer our World Matchplay questions
Friday 15 July 2016 11:29, UK
One of the best ties in the World Matchplay opening round is Mervyn King vs James Wade so Sky Sports have grilled both players about the event...
Live World Matchplay Darts
Why do you love the Matchplay?
It's my favourite venue. There's just something about it. The oldness of it, and the atmosphere created.
King: I played Phil Taylor in the first-round a few years ago when I was a qualifier. I played some fantastic darts against him, I hit eight or nine 180s and missed three at double 12 to level the match at 9-9. But my best moment was playing Phil in the semis in 2009.
Wade: It's the format, the people, the venue. The people there are so humble and nice, it's the best format in the world and the venue is lovely. This is my favourite tournament.
Can anyone spring a surprise?
King: Gerwyn Price can make an impact, he's not getting the average but he's playing a lot stronger. Another one to watch out for, if the occasion doesn't get to him, is Josh Payne. He can play the game, and play it properly. I'll stick my neck out and say Josh Payne.
Wade: I'll have a stab in the dark at Michael Smith, if he gets his head right. The Premier League was too soon for him. In my opinion, he should have perhaps turned it down and waited for another year, because he hadn't been in top flight darts for long.
He's plenty good enough, a great scorer, hits bucket loads of nine-darters in practice - it's quite mad to watch. But he wasn't ready for it.
What do you think of the first-round draw?
King: Somebody has to draw James, Michael van Gerwen or Phil Taylor. I'm not adverse to locking horns with all of those guys. But I know what the game is about, and what I have to do. If I get my nose in front, who knows?
I know who I've got, I don't care about anyone else. You can't change it, can you? It's the not easiest and it possibly could have been worse. It's by no means and easy game, but neither is Mervyn's.
So, what about your opponent?
King: I like playing James because I know what to do. If I'm not on my game then he'll win. I've got to play properly to stand a chance. He chips away and gnaws away, and has an uncanny way of winning games that he's unlikely to win. He's hard to beat, he's a wily old customer.
Wade: I'm sure it will be a close match. I think that game depends on which James turns up and which Mervyn. We'll see what cake we get after it's been baked. I think I'll turn up and I'll come out of the traps quick.
I have played him a few times out and about. I've got some experience of playing against him. I've got quite a good record against Mervyn, so I'm quite confident.
Finally… will Mervyn's trademark ear-plugs play an important role?
I use my ear-plugs because it's not what they say, it's when they say it. It's for the volume, and when the comments are said. It's when you're throwing at a double - they do it to make you jump, so that's why I put the ear-plugs in. I can still hear, but it's not so loud and it doesn't make me jump.
Wade: Everyone has got their own character they portray or the way they behave in front of the camera. It's just the way Mervyn does it.
If they're going to boo you, they're going to boo you. There are certain players that get nipped at for wearing ear plugs - like Mervyn, who has been nipped at for years. You've got to get on with it. You only notice when it's going wrong.
Watch the World Matchplay, live on Sky Sports between July 16-24.
