Anderson is a two-time world champion, while Wade, an 11-time major winner, is widely regarded as the greatest player never to have captured the sport’s biggest prize. Despite their decorated careers, the pair have often shared a frosty relationship, something Wade himself has openly admitted.
Their tension was clear back in 2015 during a Premier League match in Aberdeen. Wade, who let a 6-2 lead slip into a 6-6 draw, complained about the home crowd afterwards.
“It really should have been two points but it wasn’t,” Wade said. “I was playing the crowd as well.”
Anderson, however, quickly defended the Scottish fans, pointing out the hostile environments he faces week after week on the road.
“We only play twice in Scotland,” Anderson said. “I have to play away from home 14 times in a season. The rest moan but it does annoy me.
“Dublin and Wales are great and Belfast is all right, but the rest of the time, that is what I get. They just have to accept it. I get it every week, so they need to man up and deal with it. If they have a problem, come and see me.”
Almost a decade on, the two found rare common ground when discussing what they felt was a lack of appreciation for Luke Humphries compared to Luke Littler.
Towards the end of 2024, with Humphries still holding the world title, Anderson vented his frustration.
“The boy gets looked over every time, which I think is a load of b******s,” Anderson said. “He’s deserved everything he’s worked for. Talk to the other players — they feel the same. Rubbish, absolute rubbish.”
Wade supported Anderson’s view, despite acknowledging their strained relationship.
“I would like to say me and Gary Anderson don’t get on very well at times,” Wade admitted.
“But what I will say is, I believe Luke Humphries is probably the second or third-best world champion we have ever had.
“Luke Humphries has won almost everything after the World Championship and before it. I feel really sorry for him.
“We need to celebrate it. The things he’s doing are magnificent. Tell me another world champion that’s won as much as he’s done afterwards. It’s quite sad for darts.”
Saturday’s schedule also features several blockbuster ties. Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price meet in an all-Welsh showdown, while World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen takes on Nathan Aspinall for a quarter-final spot. Chris Dobey faces Australian number one Damon Heta in another intriguing contest.
Littler and Humphries will headline the evening session as they play Ross Smith and Luke Woodhouse respectively, with Rob Cross also set to battle Josh Rock. Elsewhere, Stephen Bunting faces Danny Noppert in a repeat of last year’s quarter-final clash.
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