James Wade makes Blackpool his home with incredible numbers once again at the World Matchplay

While much of the spotlight has shone on Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price at this year’s World Matchplay, James Wade is quietly piecing together a brilliant campaign of his own at the Winter Gardens.

‘The Machine’ is making his 20th appearance at the Blackpool showpiece, a milestone that draws him level with Steve Beaton. Only the legendary Phil Taylor (24 appearances) has played in more editions of the prestigious summer major.

Wade has long enjoyed success on the Winter Gardens stage, reaching the final on six occasions. He lifted the trophy in 2007 and was runner-up in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Now, with his game firing on all cylinders, a seventh final could well be within reach. The 11-time major champion is in red-hot form.

He began his campaign with a clinical 10-3 demolition of fellow Englishman Joe Cullen, averaging 104.44 in a dominant display. He followed that up with an 11-5 victory over Dutch youngster Wessel Nijman in the last 16, this time averaging 102.53.

Remarkably, Wade has now posted four consecutive 100+ averages at the Matchplay — a run that includes his final two matches at the 2024 edition.

So far this week, Wade has won 21 of the 29 legs he's played. His tournament average stands at a superb 103.38, and he's landed 21 of his 32 attempts at double — a finishing rate of 65.63%. If he maintains those numbers, it will take something special to stop him.

On Thursday night, Wade faces Gian van Veen for a place in the semi-finals. The winner of that clash will take on either Jonny Clayton or Stephen Bunting in the final four.