James Wade Questions Premier League Darts Selections
James Wade has firmly reiterated his stance regarding the inclusion of Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey in the upcoming Premier League Darts lineup, suggesting that neither player truly deserves their spot. Aspinall, who faced a challenging 2024 due to injuries, secured his position through one of the four wildcards available. Wade has openly questioned the rationale behind their invitations.
The 41-year-old darts professional has not softened his criticism of the duo’s selections, emphasizing that while Aspinall is known for his electrifying entrances to The Killers’ ‘Mr Brightside’, that alone should not warrant a place in such a prestigious competition.
“I think the two players who made it in are likely there because they are part of something that transcends darts,” Wade remarked. He elaborated on his viewpoint during an interview with talkSPORT, stating, “This isn’t a criticism; it’s merely my opinion.”
Wade acknowledged Aspinall’s track record in the Premier League, saying, “Nathan has never had a poor season in the Premier League. He consistently delivers impressive performances and remains a contender. However, do I believe he should be included this year? Absolutely not. Yet, I understand why he was selected. He is dependable and resonates well with the crowd.”
Wade’s Call for Merit-Based Selection
Wade also mentioned Chris Dobey, who returns to the competition after making his debut in 2023, asserting, “There were certainly other players who might have been more deserving of these spots.” He stressed that the PDC’s Order of Merit should play a more significant role in determining who qualifies for the Premier League.
“There’s a reason why players are ranked in the top eight or top ten. Those rankings should carry more weight than they currently do,” he asserted. Wade pointed out the business aspect of the Premier League’s selection process, stating, “While it’s understandable that popularity plays a role, there are players who may not have the same fanbase yet consistently perform well. For example, Johnny Clayton deserves to be in the lineup based on his ranking, even if he isn’t as renowned as Nathan.”
- “This isn’t about criticism; it’s simply my perspective,” Wade added.
- “We’ve seen instances in the past where players were repeatedly invited back despite underperforming, which raises questions about fairness.”
- “From a business standpoint, it’s a logical choice, as they aim to sell tickets and generate revenue for the PDC. However, does this always align with fair merit?”
The Premier League Darts is set to resume on April 3, with the current leader, Luke Littler, facing Dobey, while Aspinall is scheduled to compete against bottom-ranked Stephen Bunting.
