Wade not "frightened" by the big boys

JAMES WADE admits he is not “frightened” at facing the top players before he takes on Mighty Michael van Gerwen.

The dynamic Dutchman turns 30 as the Unibet Premier League rolls into Birmingham tonight live on Sky Sports.

But Wade will be determined to spoil the party by making it back-to-back wins over the defending champion in this year's Unibet Premier League.

The World Champion enters his show-down with Wade on the back of a five-game unbeaten run and after securing his 30th European Tour title on Monday, but The Machine insists he is unfazed by the fixture.

Wade vowed: "I'd say out of all the players in the Premier League I think I'm the least bothered about playing Michael van Gerwen.

"I would like to say I was nervous and apprehensive, but no I'm not.

"He'll score better than he'll finish, he's good at what he does but I'm not bothered about playing him.”

Wade comfortably beat an out of sorts Peter Wright 8-2 in Cardiff last week to climb into third spot, four points adrift of MVG but clear of fifth only by virtue of legs difference.

He added: "Michael is amazing at what he does, he's a phenomenal dart player who I respect hugely but I know I can beat him.

"I've not been playing my best darts for five years, but now I'm starting to play well again which makes me feel both excited and nervous.

"I know I'm as good as anyone else, I know I can win TV titles including the Premier League but now it's up to me to go and do it.

"I'm not saying I can be a million miles better, but I've got a lot more to give.

"I'm not frightened by playing the so-called 'top players' - I put myself in that bracket when I'm playing well.

"There's a lot of players out there that are absolutely phenomenal and it's a job for someone like myself to try and keep up with those players.

"But I still think I'm good enough to beat them all.”

Night 13 - Thursday April 25

Arena Birmingham

Mensur Suljovic v Michael Smith

Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price

Daryl Gurney v Peter Wright

James Wade v Michael van Gerwen

Words: Phil Lanning

Images: Taylor Lanning