One darts legend has expressed his discontent with the scheduling of the PDC World Darts Championship and suggested it limits players from revelling in the festive season
The World Darts Championship has become an annual fixture on fans’ screens during the festive season. Yet it seems not everyone is pleased with the tournament’s scheduling over the Christmas period.
Darts icon James Wade once described it as a “s*** time” to stage the sport’s premier tournament. And the four-time semi-finalist has even claimed it “ruins Christmas” for participants.
The 42-year-old expressed his frustrations during last year’s competition, explaining that he and his family must put their plans on hold if he remains in the tournament on Christmas Day. While no matches take place on December 25, the second round concludes on December 23, and the third round kicks off on December 27.
This means players in the draw frequently have to make trips to and from London. This year, however, Wade will be able to enjoy Christmas at home after being eliminated from the tournament by Ricky Evans – his fourth consecutive second-round exit.
Wade has made the Ally Pally journey 13 times over Christmas. And while he recognises that the sport benefits from its festive slot, it’s far from perfect for the players.
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Speaking to Sky Sports in December 2024, he said: “I enjoy it – ish. It’s just Christmas though, isn’t it? Yeah. I don’t want to be playing darts at Christmas. I want to be at home. Yeah, it kind of ruins Christmas. You’re robbed of Christmas.
“I’ve got young children now so I actually do like Christmas. I genuinely do like it. I love seeing their little faces and their little eyes light up. But yeah, it’s kind of a s*** time to have it, isn’t it?”
He continued: “But it’s obvious why we have it because Christmas is a great time to capture an audience. It’s a great business model and it’s a great idea, and it works really well, but it’s not so great for people that have to work around it.”
This year’s competition has gripped audiences nationwide. Reigning champion Luke Littler has sailed through to the third round following a commanding straight-sets triumph over David Davies, booking his spot in the last 32.
However, there was a stunning upset as former champion Gerwyn Price crashed out. The Welshman had been confident about his prospects before the tournament kicked off, only to be comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Dutch opponent Wesley Plaisier.
Following his remarkable win, Plaisier expressed his disbelief: “I can’t believe it, I’m so over the moon. It’s my biggest victory ever. I don’t know how I did it.”
His next challenge will be against Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski. Littler, meanwhile, is set to face Mensur Suljovic in the next phase of the competition.
The teenage sensation is eyeing consecutive titles at just 18 years of age. He said: “Since the Grand Slam and Grand Prix, the talk is the build-up to the Worlds. Back-to-back is the only thing I want.”
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