"Back To Work" For Refreshed Wade

James Wade - Unibet World Grand Prix (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

REFRESHED James Wade is aiming to challenge for a return to the world's top ten during the autumn of 2017 as he prepares to bid for a third Unibet World Grand Prix title.

The sport's most successful left-hander has enjoyed a decade at the top level, with his triumphs including a pair of titles at the World Grand Prix and UK Open plus victory in the 2007 World Matchplay, 2009 Premier League and 2014 Masters.

However, he dropped out of the world's top ten for the first time in that decade following July's World Matchplay, and took a month's break following his World Series travels in August to recharge his batteries.

"I've had a month off and I've had a nice holiday - probably the longest time I've had out of darts for about 12 years," Wade told the Weekly Dartscast.

"I definitely needed a break, some time away, and that's what I've done - I feel fresh.

"It's no secret, my form has dropped a little bit but that's what happens when you're tired and need a break.

"I've needed a break for probably two years but now I've had a break I've got to get back into the game and put the work in.

"I've got no excuses. I need to get the hunger back - I've just started to miss the game, it's good.

"In my opinion, the top eight isn't the hard bit of getting into, it's the top four. As long as my head's there and I want to be there, the top eight's a normal every day at work.

"I should be in the top eight, but it's only because I've been lazy and got to a point that I wanted not to be there. I've had a break now and it's time to get back to work.

"It's so close now - you've only got to win a tournament or be runner-up in a TV tournament and you can jump four or five places.

"I know I can still do it, I know I can do it and it's been long overdue."

Wade opens his World Grand Prix challenge against Steve West on Monday night, and admitted: "I'm probably going to be a little bit rusty but a break was needed.

"Steve will be keen but if I turn up I'll win and if I don't, I won't.

"I've got so many fond memories of the tournament, I've had some great games over the years there and there have been so many memories."

The Unibet World Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and worldwide through the PDC's series of international broadcast partners, as well as at PDCTV-HD for Rest of the World Subscribers.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.ie, call 00353 (0)1 401 0505 or email darts17@citywesthotel.com.