James Wade is determined to savour his Madison Square Garden debut, as he eyes a return to winning ways at this week’s bet365 US Darts Masters.
Wade is one of eight PDC superstars set to headline the action at the Hulu Theater from June 3-4, as the World Series visits New York for the first time.
The 39-year-old will join Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, Jonny Clayton, Gary Anderson and Fallon Sherrock in the Big Apple, as they pit their wits against eight North American representatives.
The ten-time TV title winner was a finalist at the Las Vegas Desert Classic way back in 2008, and now he is relishing his opportunity to grace the famous MSG stage.
“I’m really excited! I’m buzzing for it,” said Wade, who triumphed at the World Series of Darts Finals in 2018.
“I am just looking forward to the whole experience. I know I’ve earned it. I know I’m there on merit so that also helps you enjoy the experience as well.
“It is going to be something new, and for someone that has been playing the game so long, it is not very often I get to do something new, so that adds to the excitement for me.”
The iconic Madison Square Garden venue has played host to a series of iconic sporting moments – including the fight of the century between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Wade, who attended Tyson Fury’s bout against Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April, insists it will be an honour to follow in the footsteps of boxing royalty.
“To be near where those great fights have happened is amazing, it really is amazing.
“It is new, it is such a great venue, such a great place to be as well. Who would have thought it? Dart players going to New York, but we’re there, and I’m going to enjoy it.”
Wade is embarking on a crucial period in his season, having sealed his spot at the Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs in Berlin on June 13.
The 2009 champion finished third in the league phase, claiming a brace of night victories and posting a personal best average of 114.73 in Dublin on Night 12.
The world number five is also set to partner Michael Smith at the Cazoo World Cup of Darts from June 16-19, with England eyeing a first title at the pairs event since 2016.
However, Wade has only recently returned to action after suffering a health scare during last month’s Interwetten European Darts Open, which saw him spend three nights in a German hospital.
The left-hander has since suffered consecutive quarter-final defeats in the Premier League, but he heads to New York refreshed and revitalised.
“I have had three weeks off. It has been lovely! It’s like I have had a summer holiday,” he joked.
“Now it is back to reality, back to the job, and I’m looking forward to winning things.
“It seems that when I am in the right mood and if I want to switch on, it just comes on. I’m confident. I’m in a good place.”
The bet365 US Darts Masters begins on Friday June 3, before the tournament concludes with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final on Saturday June 4.
Saturday's afternoon session will also feature the bet365 North American Championship, as the eight North American stars compete for the title and a place in the Cazoo World Darts Championship.