JAMES WADE is hoping to continue his love affair with the Betfair World Matchplay when he returns to Blackpool this weekend.
The left-hander won the 2007 World Matchplay final to claim the first major title of his career, and has reached the decider in four of the last six years at the Winter Gardens.
Wade reached the 2006 final in his debut campaign in Blackpool, suffering the first of three defeats to Phil Taylor, but has won 22 out of 27 games on the Empress Ballrom stage.
"I have some fantastic memories of the place and I love the tournament," said Wade, on his official website. "I really began to make my mark as a professional darts player in Blackpool.
"It was the first major I won so it is a special place for me."
The number four seed opens his challenge in this year's event against Welshman Richie Burnett on Sunday night, and is looking forward to returning to the Fylde coast.
"I'm sure that I can do very well in this tournament and there is no reason why I can't go all the way if I'm at the top of my game, but I have to win the first match first and foremost," he added.
"Richie is a very good player who has shown a bit of form recently, so I am expecting a good battle, but I'm used to that and I have shown time and time again that I can win these battles.
"Every game is going to be difficult. You can only take it one game at I time and confidence only comes with wins but I know that when I'm playing well, I can beat anyone."
Wade reached the semi-finals of the McCoy's Premier League Darts in May, but was a third round loser in the defence of his Speedy Services UK Open title last month when he lost out to Colin Lloyd.
"I was disappointed not to go further in the UK Open, but the big tournaments come thick and fast at this time of year," added Wade. "This is my chance to bounce back, and I have proved on many occasions I can do that."
The Betfair World Matchplay will be held from July 21-29 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Tickets for the event are still available by calling the Winter Gardens Box Office on 0844 856 1111 or by visiting www.blackpoollive.com.