Ahead of the 2018 Grand Slam of Darts, which starts this weekend in Wolverhampton, lets relive the moment James hit his first televised nine-dart-finish during the same competition ten-years ago.

The event was shown live on ITV4 – the first time a nine darter has been seen live on free-to-air television in the UK.

What a week it’s been for James Wade, his family and #TeamWade fans around the world.

Following on from his success last weekend in Austria, where he was named European Champion.  James went on to win his second major title this weekend at the bwin World Series of Darts Finals at the Multiversum in Vienna.

As play began on Friday afternoon for James it was a 6-3 win against Ross Smith that saw him safely move through to Saturday’s second round match against Mensur Suljovic and another 6-3 win to make it through to Sunday’s final day.

As the stage was set for the quarter finals it was James’ 10-5 win against Jamie Lewis that had #TeamWade fans believing that he could be bringing this home again.

As the semi-finals approached it was Wadey v’s Barney, following Raymond’s success and a 10-8 win against Michael van Gerwen in his quarter final match.

As they stepped up to the oche, our left-handed champion proved to the world of darts, he truly has new found motivation and a determination to reach the top with an incredible win 11-2 and a ticket to the finals once again.

As the scene was set it was fellow Englishman Michael Smith who was to be James’ opponent for the final match who, like James, had played some incredible darts over the course of the weekend, making his own way through a who’s who to reach the final stage.

As the match began, you could hear the cheers as James took an early 3-0 lead.  Michael then proved, he too meant business, levelling the playing field to 5-5 at the second break.

As the legs continued, once again it was neck and neck at 7-7 before James landed a 112 check out to take the lead 8-7. Michael responded and went on to take the lead for the first time in the match 9-8.

As the final legs of the match began, it was clear that both men were determined not to give up without a fight.  James was to lead the charge and turn the final back around breaking Michael’s throw to take a 10-9 lead.

As the competition was drawing to a close it was an incredible end to the match when James bust 121 and Michael levelled 10-10.

It was the gripping final leg that then brought fans to their feet and home and abroad – it was just too close to call and then… Wadey did it… double 18 for the win!

Daddy really can play darts Arthur and is bringing you home another trophy #justforarthur

James ranks sixth in the PDC Order of Merit. He will next be playing at the Grand Slam of Darts, where he reached the final in 2016.  The match will take place in Wolverhampton in November and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. For more information click here

Since James and his wife Samantha announced the birth of their son, there can be no denying that Wadey has some new-found motivation – commenting in interviews since Arthur James was born earlier this month “I have someone to play for now”. 

That statement was never truer this weekend, when he proved there is no messing with ‘The Machine’ as he was crowned winner of the Unibet European Championship in Dortmund.

The tournament began for James on Friday afternoon, when he faced Martin Schindler, winning 6-3.

Saturday evening’s last 16 round saw Ricky Evans face our champion.  Fans saw Ricky break the first leg, but James was to follow this up with seven straight legs, including four 14-dart finishes, and an overall 10-5 win to secure his place in the quarter finals.

It was England v’s Wales as James and Gerwyn Price stepped up to the oche on Sunday afternoon.  A neck and neck performance was to follow but it was the dramatic decider that clinched the deal for Wadey 10-9.

It was then onto the semi-final’s where James was to meet Max Hopp.  As play began, #TeamWade fans were wondering if the dream may be over as Max took a 9-5 lead.  James fought back with style, winning six of the final seven legs and going on to take the overall win of 11-10.

As the scene was set for the final, Wadey was to meet Simon Whitlock, who had also played some very impressive darts and won some battles over the course of the weekend to win his place on this particular stage.

As play began, ‘The Wizard’ made a strong start with a 3-1 lead.  ‘The Machine’ responded with three successive legs and a 4-3 lead before the leg by leg battle commenced resulting in 8-8.

It was then #TeamWade fans watching at home and abroad saw the true determination and concentration in James’ eyes to ‘do this for his boy’ by pushing forward with successive 13-dart legs. 

With victory in sight, he did it, hitting the double ten to clinch his eighth major title.

Arthur, that one was for you! #forArthur … and your Mum of course.

James now ranks sixth in the PDC Order of Merit. His success this weekend has also secured his spot at the Grand Slam of Darts, where he reached the final in 2016.  The match will take place in Wolverhampton in November and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

James will next be playing this weekend, at the World Series of Darts Finals which takes place between November 2-4 at the Multiversum in Schwechat, Vienna and will be broadcast live on ITV4 and on PDCTV-HD. For more updates on this weekend’s championship, click here