'The music has already finished and he’s still standing around taking pictures' - Irritation surrounding James Wade's slow walk-ons

The latest episode of the Darts Turning Door podcast saw Vincent van der Voort and host Damien Vlottes pull no punches as they dissected the European Tour qualification system, James Wade’s slow walk-ons, and the long-awaited return of Adrian Lewis.

The pair began by criticising the Host Nation qualifiers, which, they argued, often create unfair situations. In Belgium, for instance, three reserves — Adam Gawlas, Dylan Slevin and Lukas Wenig — were drafted in despite originally missing out.

“Typical,” Vlottes said. “If they are called up as reserves, they still get a Host Nation spot. That’s crooked, isn’t it?” Van der Voort agreed. “That whole system is just harsh. I’m not in favour of holding those qualifiers so early. Players end up knocking each other out in qualifying, only to face each other again a few weeks later in the first round of the main event.”

He pointed to Steve Lennon as an example: the Irishman beat Krzysztof Ratajski in qualifying, only to draw him again at the main tournament and lose. “Then you think: should I beat him twice? Just keep the qualifiers a day in advance, like the Host Nation ones. That’s much fairer.”

Wade’s walk-ons branded “over the top”

Next up was James Wade, whose lengthy walk-ons have become a talking point. The Machine’s habit of stopping for selfies, autographs and chats has irked many players. “The music has already finished and he’s still standing around taking pictures,” Van der Voort complained. “It’s not just Wade doing it, but he really overdoes it.”

Both men felt the PDC should step in. “Just say: once the walk-on starts, no more autographs. Done. Now it’s just weird,” said Vlottes. Van der Voort added nuance. “Wade isn’t doing anything that’s not allowed. The fault lies with the PDC. If they don’t see it as a problem, of course he won’t stop.”

Barry Hearn on Netflix

The discussion turned lighter with the announcement that Barry Hearn will feature in his own Netflix documentary, The Greatest Showman. “No need to expect modesty,” Van der Voort laughed. “He only walks around glorifying himself. When he was at the PDC, every meeting started with half an hour about how great he was.”

Both admitted they would tune in, though. “Sure, it’s going to be enjoyable,” Van der Voort said. “But humble? Forget it.”

Lewis’ rusty return

Adrian Lewis’ recent appearance in the MODUS Super Series alongside Steve Beaton also came under the microscope. The two-time world champion may have been welcomed back by fans, but Van der Voort was unconvinced. “He looked rusty and not eager,” he said. “You didn’t see someone working to get his Tour Card back. You have to want it, you have to want to win. With Lewis, I didn’t see that at all. He’d rather play exhibitions, maybe the odd Super Series week. But Q-School in January? I don’t see him doing that.”

Van der Voort believes hopes of Lewis ever recapturing his best are fading. “After being out for so long, it’s almost impossible.”

Who Should Qualify for the Euro Tour?

The debate then returned to the European Tour. Vlottes argued: “Everyone should be able to qualify for a Euro Tour tournament.” Van der Voort disagreed. “Only Tour Card holders should be allowed. That’s what you won it for. The only exception should be Host Nation spots. Otherwise it’s not fair.”

He also pointed to the Grand Slam of Darts. “That’s a ranking tournament, almost as big as the Matchplay, and players without a Tour Card can still get in. That’s just not right.”

Looking ahead, the pair previewed the Czech Darts Open, where a host of Dutch players are set to feature. The first round includes Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jermaine Wattimena, Raymond van Barneveld, Richard Veenstra, Kevin Doets and Maik Kuivenhoven, before Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert join the action later.

“That’s going to be a real party on Friday,” Vlottes said with anticipation. “So many Dutchmen on stage – that promises something.”