Michael van Gerwen and James Wade made us feel silly during an interview...
Monday 13 April 2015 14:45, UK
A prank played on our journalist is perhaps the best way to sum up James Wade’s transformation from a self-confessed “grumpy character” to the joker that embarrassed Sky Sports.
Expecting to hear Wade’s voice when ringing his phone for this interview, it was answered by an unmistakably unique growl saying: “This is Michael van Gerwen”.
We apologised for calling the wrong number and disturbing the world No 1 from his practice hours, while also panicking as Van Gerwen dished out a telling-off for wasting his time.
Our journalist’s phone then rang as he sat, confused at his error, and concerned he had ruined Sky Sports’ relationship with the face of darts.
“This is James Wade,” said the giggling voice amid obvious laughter through a Dutch accent in the background. “We’re in a cafe in Sheffield and thought we’d have a laugh at your expense.”
Appreciated
Wade, by his own admission, hasn’t always been this happy-go-lucky character and he eventually (after first insisting we spoke to the “more interesting” Van Gerwen) described his new-found happiness on and off the oche.
Although he slipped to a pair of defeats to Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall after speaking to us, the Aldershot thrower sits fifth in the Premier League after a year out and plans to get married in the summer.
“I’ve really enjoyed being back this season,” he said. “It’s just as good as I remember it – even better, actually, because I’ve realised how enjoyable it is to be involved, and how horrible it is to not be playing.
“I realised last season that I didn’t want to miss out on the Premier League again because I missed it. I’ve appreciated being here more than ever before.
“I’m more settled now, I’m happy as a person with my private life which makes me a better person – that’s quite strange for me!
“That has helped my darts. Being happier away from the oche helps you when you go up there.”
I’m getting more of a buzz now than four or five years ago - I couldn’t allow myself to enjoy playing darts back then.
Buzz
Wade resented this sport not too long ago and acknowledges, looking back, that he couldn’t have thrown his best arrows when his heart wasn’t in it.
But finding peace away from the chaos of the Premier League’s Thursday night arenas has revitalised him and Wade realises his potential has few limits.
“I’m getting more of a buzz now than four or five years ago,” he said. “I couldn’t allow myself to enjoy playing darts back then – or doing anything, for that matter. I was a grumpy character.
Live Premier League Darts
“I fell out of love with darts and that’s a horrible feeling because the oche is a lonely place. I wasn’t enjoying it but that’s turned on its head now.
“My career is getting there as well. I’m starting to do things that I know I can do and, although I’m still not where I want to be, I’m improving.
“My mind is clearer now and I’ve got a path – I just want to be the best that I can possibly be, but I know that means I can be the best in the world.”
Watch Wade v Gary Anderson as Premier League Darts heads to Aberdeen on Thursday at 7pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
