James Wade began his 2026 World Masters campaign with a narrow victory, but it was his absence from the Premier League Darts line-up — rather than his performance on the oche — that dominated the aftermath. Wade, a former world No 2 and one of the most decorated players of his generation, believes his results over the past season warranted inclusion. Excluding the World Championship prize money, only Littler, Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen earned more ranking money across the season. “I’m quite awkward as a character.”For now, Wade’s focus returns to the World Masters, where he remains in contention. But, after the win, the darts fall silent — and the omission speaks for itself.