‘He used to be Littler’ – Scorned darts star who is ‘one of best players ever’ told Sky Sports has nothing against him

Paul Nicholson believes James Wade is primed for a strong run at the UK Open as he looks to answer his Premier League omission in the best possible way.

Wade, 42, was left out of the Premier League line-up despite reaching two major finals in 2025. On both occasions — at the UK Open and the World Matchplay — his title hopes were ended by Luke Littler.

The Machine described the snub as “a complete kick in the privates” and admitted it dented his self-confidence. The father of two has suggested his outspoken nature and “awkward” character may have counted against him with selectors.

Lifting the UK Open trophy at Butlin’s Minehead this weekend — a tournament he has won three times and often dubbed the FA Cup of Darts — would be the perfect response to those at the Professional Darts Corporation and broadcasters.

Speaking to SunSport on behalf of Betway, Nicholson said the UK Open carries extra motivation for players who feel overlooked.

“These days it means a bit more for ex-Premier League players or those who feel shunned,” Nicholson explained.

“You look at someone like James Wade, who’s been very vocal about missing out when he thought he had a legitimate shot.

“We saw a similar narrative with Mike De Decker last year.

“So the players who were in the frame but didn’t make it are the ones I’m watching closely — especially on Friday night.

“James Wade stands out. Look at how many times he’s won this event and how close he’s come over the last year to landing another major.

“He could definitely make another deep run — and he’d love to go one better than last year.

“But someone might have to take Luke Littler out for him if he’s going to win it.”

Like the other top names, Wade enters at the fourth-round stage, with the open draw adding to the unpredictability that makes the UK Open one of the most thrilling stops on the PDC calendar.

Nicholson also believes Wade may not fully appreciate his own legacy.

“I don’t think James gives himself enough credit for what he’s achieved,” he added.

“I’ve been on the wrong end of some hidings from him. Over 20 years, I’ve seen him do incredible things. He’s one of the best players ever.

“But I spoke to at least 15 people before the Premier League line-up was announced — and none of them had James in. That can’t be coincidence.

“It’s not that the PDC or broadcasters have anything against him. It’s just that others had maybe done slightly more.

“If there were 10 spots, he had a real chance. But with eight, it was just too tight.”

Nicholson also pointed out the irony of Wade’s situation, recalling that he himself was once the teenage trailblazer — much like Littler today.

“When James was 17, he was winning world-ranked titles in the BDO. He won abroad early and switched to the PDC young.

“In 2007, he was the young star — the one winning and earning Premier League spots.

“But it’s much harder to get into the Premier League now than it used to be.

“There was a time when making a Matchplay or UK Open final might have been enough.

“These days, you have to win something — or do something extra.”