James Wade is set to face a disciplinary hearing at the end of the month relating to his behaviour during his victory over Seigo Asada at the PDC World Championship. The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) have written to Wade, who has confirmed that he will attend a hearing, Sky Sports News revealed earlier today.
‘The Machine’ came back from 2-1 down to defeat Asada in the second-round of the World Championship, but controversy ensued when he celebrated directly in the face of his Japanese opponent after levelling up proceedings at one set apiece.
In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Wade added: “I kept giving it to him. I wanted to hurt him, I wanted to really hurt him in his face. It wasn’t a great game but I wanted to hurt him and I wanted to progress.”
Nevertheless, the nine-time major winner issued a statement apologising for his behaviour less than 24 hours later. “I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologise for my actions last night. Seigo Asada is a great player and I would like to say sorry to him, the fans and the PDC,” Wade said.
“Anyone that has followed my professional career will know that this was very out of character for me and I am disappointed in myself with the way I acted both on the stage and in my interviews after the match.
“I was fighting a battle with myself before I even got on the stage due to a hypo mania episode which can happen to me at any time and no-one is more upset than I am about what happened. I would like to again apologise and hope that people can understand how remorseful I am.”
Hypomania is defined as periods of over-active and excited behaviour that have a significant impact on day-to-day life. Wade has been very candid about his ongoing battle with bipolar and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and he became a patron of the Bipolar UK charity in 2015.
The 35-year-old returned to the winner’s circle in 2018, ending his four-year wait for a major televised title in the process. The left-hander triumphed at the European Championship in October, before sealing glory at the World Series Finals just one week later, which saw him earn a PDC wildcard for the 2019 Premier League.
The world number ten was eventually beaten by Ryan Joyce in the last 16 at the Alexandra Palace, and he will return to action at the BetVictor Masters next month, when he takes on Grand Slam champion Gerwyn Price in his opener.
Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
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