Wade Reaches 19th Successful World Matchplay

JAMES WADE admitted he was moved to tears by fans' support over his mental health issues as he reached his 19th successive World Matchplay.

The Aldershot hotshot kept up his remarkable run at the Winter Gardens by snatching the last qualifying place in the Players Championship earlier this week.

Wade, 41, lost the final on his debut in 2006 to Phil Taylor before winning it a year later and has since reached three more finals.

He has drawn Danny Noppert in his first round clash in Blackpool. Gary Anderson takes on Michael Smith and Ross Smith faces Josh Rock when the tournament starts on July 13.

But the World No.22 Wade admitted earlier this year that his ADHD and Bipolar had become a big problem again and it was affecting his performances.

He said on X: “Want to say thanks for all the messages of support and encouragement I have received - particularly after my mental health post. I had a tear in my eye reading some of them and they really spurred me on. You will never know what it means.

“Where it all began for me in 2007 - delighted to keep my Matchplay run going. Was under pressure this week and chuffed to have played some good darts when it mattered.

“I've always been very open about talking about my Bipolar and ADHD - I think it's important that people don't feel alone. As it says here I am feeling better now and raring to get myself back up the world rankings back to where I think I belong.”