JAMES WADE has been written off more than a stock car in a demolition derby but, as his new walkon song goes, he's still standing.
In the Professional Darts Corporation era, only two players Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen - have won more than the Machine's 11 TV majors.
He is the great survivor of the circuit, rolling with the punches of bipolar illness and slipping down the rankings before hauling himself back into the top 16.
Wade, 41, is a 100-1 long shot to win the Paddy Power PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, where he is a four-time semi-finalist, when he faces Jermaine Wattimena or Stefan Bellmont today.
Two years ago, he was taken ill at the European Open in Germany with symptoms including a racing heart, dizziness and high blood pressure. No wonder he has adopted Elton John's anthem for the upright. He's still standing, yeah, yeah, yeah.
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DIALLED IN FOR VICTORY
THIS one will go down in Manchester derby folklore.
Walker's desperate theatrics show how far City have fallen
NEVER mind that it was shameful, never mind that it was embarrassing, never mind that it was almost laughable.
LEAVING HIS MARC
Cucurella uses his head as Chelsea hunt down Liverpool... but he sees red after final whistle room
FRENCH STARS JUST TOU HOT FOR EXETER
ROB BAXTER admitted that some of Toulouse's rugby was \"almost undefendable\" after his Exeter team suffered a 64-21 Investec Champions Cup mauling in Pool 1 at Sandy Park.
TYSON: GIVE ME DOSHUA
After Usyk, Tyson is eyeing a British mega-fight with AJ which could be worth £150m
WELL TOILED MACHINE
He's had a lengthy career full of ups and downs and James Wade is still going strong at the Ally Pally
FULL OF PRAISE FOR WINDSOR
JUMP racing returned to Windsor yesterday for the first time in 19 years - and it was given a huge thumbs-up.
Guinness was good for me..
Allure of a pint saved soldier from deadly Nazi attack
ASSAD'S HORROR ...THE RECKONING
War crime probe to be 'bigger than Nuremberg' as torture jail uncovered
Striking tale of hope
Tsunami survivor hopes story will inspire the world