JAMES WADE admits that the experience of competing in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts this year played a large part in his Blue Square UK Open win.
The 24-year-old from Aldershot won his third televised title on Sunday, defeating Gary Mawson 11-7 in the final at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.
Wade had come through six matches to take the £35,000 title, including wins over Vincent van der Voort, Alan Tabern and Ronnie Baxter, but had arguably his toughest test in the final.
Mawson took early leads of 3-1 and 6-5, but Wade's consistency saw him win six of the next seven to power to a victory he believes he would not have enjoyed six months ago.
"Gary could have beaten me in the final but for a change my experience and belief shone through, and I think that's why I won," he said.
"I honestly believe that I would have lost that before the Premier League. I was probably just as good a player but before the Premier League I would have lost, without a doubt.
"It has made a massive difference and it's been an advantage for me."
Wade celebrated by waving three fingers to manager Jason Thame to signify his third major triumph, and he added: "The sky's the limit for me now.
"I want to make it four titles, then five titles and eventually six - so I have to point with two hands!
"The UK Open's a tournament that doesn't suit someone like me - I'm better to get myself up for one game a day.
"But I handled that this year and came through it, so I'm over the moon.
"I've never done well in Las Vegas either, so maybe the Desert Classic will be good for me this year!"
Wade also praised the performance of Mawson, who overcame Raymond van Barneveld in the semi-finals to earn the biggest pay-day of his career.
"He played great darts to beat Barneveld and deserved his first major final," added Wade.
"Gary played the darts of his life and beat one of the best players in the world. He was great in the final too, he started well but I had too much for him at the end."