James Wade, one of the most decorated players of the modern era, produced a series of vintage displays to claim victory in Players Championship 19 in Leicester, UK, on Thursday, ending a wait of almost three years for a PDC ranking title.
In a glorious career spanning more than three decades, and 11 major PDC titles, the Aldershot Ace has always remained a force to be reckoned with, and this latest triumph lifts him to eighth in the world rankings.
The player known as The Machine signalled his intent from the off, opening with a ton-plus average to ease past Brett Claydon 6-2. He followed that with a win by the same scoreline over Josh Richardson before edging out old rival Peter Wright, pinching it in a thriller.
Rising Dutch star Kevin Doets put in a solid effort, but The Machine was now truly purring - closing with an average just shy of 104. From one promising Dutchman to one that’s absolutely flying - Gian van Veen. Leading 4-0 and throwing magnificently, the recent Netherlands World Cup star looked set for victory. But unlike last weekend in Frankfurt during the group stages, six legs were needed - and Gian could only watch as Wade reeled off half a dozen on the bounce to complete the turnaround.
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A relatively comfortable semi-final win over the impressive Andrew Gilding put Wade one step from another PDC title. Then in the showdown against Shaggy, the 42-year-old veteran did it in style, combining heavy scoring with a finishing masterclass - hitting eight doubles from only nine attempts. The one he missed? He nailed it with the next dart anyway.
Perhaps surprisingly, given his experience and remarkable longevity, this was the 42-year-old arrow-smith’s first Players Championship title since the end of 2022. Credit to Scott Williams, who did little wrong in the final. But he ran into a man who simply wasn’t missing on the outer ring.
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2025 Players Championship 19
Thursday June 19
Mattioli Arena, Leicester
Last 16
James Wade 6-4 Kevin Doets
Gian van Veen 6-5 Ricky Evans
Andrew Gilding 6-3 Ross Smith
Damon Heta 6-4 Daryl Gurney
Scott Williams 6-5 William O'Connor
Bradley Brooks 6-0 Brendan Dolan
Alan Soutar 6-5 Marvin van Velzen
Wessel Nijman 6-3 Ryan Joyce
Quarter-Finals
James Wade 6-4 Gian van Veen
Andrew Gilding 6-2 Damon Heta
Scott Williams 6-2 Bradley Brooks
Wessel Nijman 6-5 Alan Soutar
Semi-Finals
James Wade 7-3 Andrew Gilding
Scott Williams 7-6 Wessel Nijman
Final
James Wade 8-3 Scott Williams